Fangio: Broncos' have 'double-digit' roster spots still up for grabs

Could the Broncos truly have as many or more than 10 roster spots unresolved?

The Denver Broncos are four days away from the league-mandated deadline to cut their roster down to the final 53 players. 

Currently, the Broncos roster sits at 87 players, after the team released three veterans on Monday. For most teams, unless it's truly a rebuilding situation, there might be truly five or six roster spots truly up for grabs each preseason. 

Meaning, each summer, teams have about 48 of the 53 roster spots they'll ultimately carry in the regular season, already decided and spoken for. Call it the bottom 10 percent of the roster is truly open for competition. 

For example. The Broncos might currently have 12 wide receivers on the roster and when the regular season rolls around, at most, they'll carry six wideouts on the 53-man roster. Five of those (potentially) six spots are already decided. 

According to Vic Fangio, however, the Broncos are much more undecided at the bottom fringe of the roster than they might traditionally be. Asked point-blank how many jobs are currently open on the 53, Fangio said, “I think there’s still a good bit, myself, definitely in the double digits for sure.”

That's actually an astounding number. It could be that Fangio is distinguishing between 'jobs' and 'roster spots', as in starting jobs or key roles and roster spots. However, looking at the Broncos' starting lineups, I can't see more than two or three spots that could even possibly construed as being up for grabs. Definitely punt/kick returner. Maybe right guard. Maybe fullback... beyond them, the starting jobs are spoken for.

No, Fangio is speaking to available or undecided roster spots on the 53. If his 'double digits' remark is true, that means Thursday night's preseason finale at home vs. Arizona is rife with opportunity for the bubble guys. 

For guys who've made Denver's roster out of camp in years past, but currently find themselves squarely ensconced on the bubble, like Kevin Hogan, Dymonte Thomas, Su'a Cravens, Alexander Johnson, Keishawn Bierria and Jamal Carter, Thursday will be of the utmost importance. 

There are a few unresolved depth positions that Denver is likely planning on combing the wire for on Sunday, looking for upgrades, after more than 1,100 players are dumped on waivers around the NFL on final cut-down day. 

The suspense will soon be over. The Broncos will have their roster cut down to the final 53 guys on Saturday and we'll know exactly which players stuck. 

Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen.