Report: Broncos cut QB Kevin Hogan

After nearly a full year with the Denver Broncos, Kevin Hogan wasn't able to move the needle. Per Mike Klis of 9NEWS, Hogan was cut on Saturday as the team trims its roster down to the final 53 players.

Does this mean that undrafted rookie Brett Rypien has made the 53-man roster as the third QB behind Joe Flacco and Drew Lock? Not necessarily.

A few QBs have been cut around the league and the Broncos are actively combing the wire in search of a possible upgrade. Meanwhile, the Hogan era in Denver has officially come to an end.

In five preseason appearances this summer, Hogan went 33-of-65 (50.8 %) for 311 passing yards, with one touchdown and three interceptions. He also chipped in 40 rushing yards and a score on the ground.

Not exactly 'fail-safe' numbers. Drew Lock will be the backup QB behind Joe Flacco, but not until he heals up.

What that means is that the Broncos are deciding on a 'short-term' backup QB behind Flacco. But here's the truth; if Flacco goes down before Lock is healthy, it wouldn't matter if that backup's name was Rypien, Hogan or some outside acquisition, the Broncos' season would be in doubt.

So with that in mind, why not just hold onto Rypien as the backup — the QB the Broncos thought highly enough of to give an unprecedented $146,000 in guarantees as an undrafted rookie? Go with the upside.

Perhaps that is the logic informing John Elway's decision at this point. But only time will tell. There's still plenty of time left before the Broncos' 2pm deadline to be at 53 players.

Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen and @MileHighHuddle.