QB · DEN
general
Broncos GM George Paton on the decision to keep 3 QBs: ‘Sam is a big part of this quarterback room’
Broncos GM George Paton discusses the decision to keep three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster
Sam Ehlinger
QB · DEN · 27 yrs · exp 5 · Texas
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QB · DEN
general
Denver Broncos will reportedly keep Sam Ehlinger on 53-man roster
Sam Ehlinger to stay on Broncos roster
QB · DEN
general
Broncos Country likes Ehlinger in the second QB spot
A poll of Broncos Country indicated a strong preference for Sam Ehlinger as the backup QB, a sentiment likely bolstered by his performance against the Vikings where he threw three touchdowns
general
Bo Nix won't play Friday, but will play final two preseason games
The Broncos will play their starters 10-15 snaps in Friday night’s preseason opener against the Falcons. Those starters will not include quarterback Bo Nix. The game is on the artificial turf at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Nix is returning from a fractured right ankle. Nix will play in the second and third preseason games, coach Sean Payton said Wednesday. “If we were playing a game — you guys have watched practice — he would [play],” Payton said, via video from Romi Bean of CBS News Colorado. “ He wanted to play . He’ll play the next two weeks. “I think that was probably something that was already decided maybe like a month ago. But if we were playing a game, I would say he would play. You’d have to ask him, but I would say [he’d be] 100 percent.” Nix was injured in the Broncos’ divisional-round playoff victory over the Bills, and the AFC Championship Game was the first game he has missed for injury in his career. With Nix watching from the sideline, Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger will handle the quarterback duties against the Falcons as they compete for the backup job
analyst
Jarrett Stidham to play one half in preseason opener
by Ari Koslow | Broncos Correspondent | Wed, Aug 12th 2026, 5:03pm EDT Jarrett Stidham is expected to play one half in the Broncos preseason opener. ( MileHighReport on Twitter ) Fantasy Impact: Bo Nix is not expected to play. Stidham and Sam Ehlinger will both play one half as they compete for the backup job. Broncos QB Bo Nix will NOT play in the preseason opener vs. the Falcons, but will play in Week 2 and 3. The smart and correct move to not play him on the turf. Play at home at Mile High on a natural grass surface. Stidham and Ehlinger will both get a half each with the… More Jarrett Stidham : News , Rankings , Projections , Stats Add FantasyPros on Google
general
Bo Nix is eager for preseason action
Sean Payton said the Broncos will play some starters against the Falcons on Friday night. He has not decided whether Bo Nix will be one of those to see action in the team’s preseason opener. “We haven’t gone through the role yet,” Payton said, via Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette . “I’ll let you know when we go through the roles.” The game is on the artificial turf at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which could keep Nix out until the second week of the preseason. Nix is ready, though. He has not played since the Broncos’ divisional-round playoff victory over the Bills when he fractured his right ankle. The AFC Championship Game was the first game Nix has missed for injury in his career. “I’m excited,” Nix said of playing in the preseason. “I think preseason’s always a great time to get back out there and get your feet wet a little bit and see defenses in a live situation before the first [regular-season] game.” Nix said he has “no idea” whether he will play Friday. Regardless, the Broncos are expected to use both Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger against the Falcons as they compete for the backup job
general
Sam Ehlinger pushing Jarrett Stidham for Broncos' backup job
Sam Ehlinger took the Broncos’ second-team snaps on Saturday, Mike Klis of 9News reports. Jarrett Stidham, the team’s backup to Bo Nix the past two seasons, was with the third team. “There was nothing remarkable or anything that we discussed in a meeting, so maybe they just unfolded where . . . I wouldn’t make anything into it,’’ Broncos head coach Sean Payton said, via Klis. It was the first time Ehlinger has run the No. 2 offense, though, when Nix is healthy. (Ehlinger was the backup to Stidham in the AFC Championship Game when Nix was out with an ankle injury.) Ehlinger had a chance to leave for Washington and Indianapolis last season — and perhaps a better chance at the No. 2 job — but remained on the Broncos’ practice squad. Now, it appears he will push Stidham for the backup job. “I think we just sold our program and the offense,’’ Payton said of keeping Ehlinger. “We could never promise anything other than [a chance to develop]. I would say this, we saw immediate growth, and I think you’d have to ask him, but I think he felt like, ‘I want to continue with this offense and continue where I’m going.’ I think he felt good about it to make that decision.”
general
Will Jarrett Stidham be the primary backup to Bo Nix in 2026?
Jarrett Stidham will battle against Sam Ehlinger to try and earn the backup quarterback position
general
7 positional battles to watch during Broncos Camp
One of the more interesting aspects of training camp each year is the positional battles ongoing throughout camp and into the preseason. We have seen multiple quarterback competitions happen during Broncos camp, but thankfully, Bo Nix has that job locked down for the foreseeable future. However, the Broncos will have multiple camp battles happening this summer that could greatly impact how this team looks come Week 1. While the Broncos starters are mostly locked and loaded for Week 1, there still will be plenty of competition for roles and even roster spots happening during camp. So, with all that said, here are the Denver Broncos positional battles I will be paying attention to during Broncos Camp. Veteran Jarrett Stidham has been Sean Payton’s backup since he was acquired and hired by the Broncos, but could his role be up for grabs this summer? Sam Ehlinger joined the team as the QB3 last season and quickly impressed the Broncos coaches on and off the field. Ehlinger re-signed with the team this offseason and, according to reports from OTA and minicamp, looked pretty good and may have even outplayed Stidham. Do I think Ehlinger can really take the QB2 role from Stidham? I have my doubts. Payton has spoken fondly of Stiddy in the past; he was Payton’s first free agent signing with the Broncos, and he knows the system well. With that said, his performance in the AFC Championship Game was, well, not great. In fairness to Stidham, the circumstances were not great for him, but you still hoped he would have played a little better than that. However, if Ehlinger outplays Stidham throughout camp, we could have a real conversation here. I will need to see it happen consistently for me to really believe this could happen, but we’ll have to wait and see. It certainly is possible. The Broncos are expected to enter Week 1 with veteran JK Dobbins, second-year back RJ Harvey , and rookie Jonah Coleman as their three running backs on the roster. All three backs are expected to have a role on this offense this season, but the exact details remain up in the air. Veteran JK Dobbins re-signed with the team after a successful 2025 season that was unfortunately cut short by injuries. Unfortunately, that has been the story of Dobbins’ career, and the Broncos have to be wary of his injury history. To his credit, he has bounced back and performed well despite multiple serious lower-body injuries, but the concern remains. He will be the Broncos’ starting running back this season, but could we see him share carries with a pair of young Broncos ball carriers? RJ Harvey had a mixed bag when it came to his rookie year. On a positive note, he had 12 total touchdowns last season, which is pretty damn good for a rookie running back. However, once Dobbins went down with an injury, Harvey struggled as the Broncos’ main ball carrier. Harvey averaged just 3.7 yards per carry but did look better as a receiver and in space, which was the role the team envisioned for him when he was drafted. I would anticipate he would have a similar role this season, but could he lose snaps to rookie Jonah Coleman? The real X-Factor here is rookie Jonah Coleman. The talented rookie back has three-down traits and could push for significant playing time his rookie year. He is a powerful and patient runner who can run between the tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and probably most importantly, come in on third downs and be a pass blocker. If he were to have a strong camp and preseason, he could push for significant snaps early on this season. Sean Payton in the past has said it is difficult to manage a three-headed backfield, so it will be interesting to see how this plays out. All three backs will be on the team, but it will be interesting to see the pecking order come Week 1. Probably the most interesting positional battle to happen this summer during Broncos Camp will be the WR3 battle between Marvin Mims, Troy Franklin , and Pat Bryant . As we know, the team [... truncated ...]
general
Could Sam Ehlinger push for the Broncos backup quarterback job?
Sam Ehlinger, after spending time with the Colts and on the Broncos' practice squad, has re-signed with the Denver Broncos on a one-year deal. He showed promise in training camp and preseason, even being activated to the 53-man roster multiple times, and is reportedly close with the quarterback room and optimistic about the team's future. The question remains whether he can now push for the backup quarterback job
analyst
Jarrett Stidham Being Pushed for Backup QB Job?
Jarrett Stidham's backup QB job is being challenged by Sam Ehlinger in training camp and preseason
QB · DEN
outlook
2026 Season Outlook
sleeper-outlook+3 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Ehlinger didn't see any action as the Broncos' emergency No. 3 quarterback in 2025, and he's now re-signed with the team on a one-year deal for 2026. As such, he can be expected to reprise a similar role behind Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham. Ehlinger is entering his age-28 season and last saw regular-season action with the Colts in 2023
QB · DEN
transaction
FA: Sam Ehlinger added, Kendrick Bourne dropped
sleeper-tx-free_agent+3 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Adds: Sam Ehlinger. Drops: Kendrick Bourne
general
Sean Payton announces that QB Bo Nix is expected back in two weeks for their minicamp practices
The Denver Broncos began their first set of OTA practices this week, and today was their first practice session open to the media. As expected, starting quarterback Bo Nix did not participate after undergoing surgery on his broken ankle that he suffered during the Broncos ’ Divisional Round victory over the Buffalo Bills. He would later undergo a second follow-up procedure but was expected to be ready for the start of training camp. However, we learned today from Head Coach Sean Payton that Bo Nix is expected to be back and participate in two weeks during the Broncos’ minicamp practices. Reports indicated that Bo Nix would be ready “well ahead” of the start of training camp, and this news seems to confirm that. Nix has been throwing, per Payton, and media members noted that Nix was walking around without a brace or limp and looked fine, and was actively talking to the offensive players as well. After some offseason concern over Nix, it appears that he is nearing 100% and will be back on the practice field here in two short weeks. This is great news as it gets Nix some reps before the start of training camp, and he can work on his chemistry with the Broncos’ big offseason addition, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle . All eyes will be on his ankle and how he is looking out there, but all signs seem to point to his recovery going well, and we shouldn’t have to worry about his ankle moving forward. This is great news because the Broncos are Super Bowl or bust this season. They made it to the AFC Championship Game last season, and likely would have advanced to the Super Bowl if Nix were healthy. They need Nix healthy and performing at a high level if they want to reach their ultimate goal, and he will be tested early on due to a tough schedule. So, the earlier they can get Nix back and healthy, the better it will be for them moving forward. Until then, backups Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger will be the Broncos quarterbacks, and the two players could be competing for the Broncos backup quarterback position behind Nix. Stidham has been the Broncos backup the past few seasons, but they have also been impressed with Ehlinger, and he reportedly looked good today . So, this could be something to watch as we progress through the OTAs and minicamp and into training camp and the preseason
general
Denver Broncos 53-man roster projection: Pre-OTA edition
Our Denver Broncos will finally take the practice field next week for the first time since their disappointing AFC Championship Game loss to the New England Patriots . This will be our first look at quarterback Bo Nix since he suffered a broken ankle in the Broncos’ thrilling Divisional Round overtime victory over the Bills and underwent surgery and a follow-up cleanup procedure. He isn’t expected to be a full participant, but we could see him out there in some capacity . This will also be the first time that we see wide receiver Jaylen Waddle practice as a member of the Broncos. The team acquired the explosive wide receiver in a blockbuster trade during the winter, and he is going to be a big part of this offense moving forward. We are going to see several intriguing roster battles kick off as well. Some notable ones will be the WR3 battle and Jahdae Barron vs. Riley Moss/McMillian at corner. It will be intriguing to see how that all shakes out. Finally, it will be our first look at the crop of rookies the Broncos selected during the 2026 NFL Draft. Tyler Onyedim, Jonah Coleman , Kage Casey, Justin Joly and the rest of the Broncos draft class will be taking part in their first true NFL practice of their careers. With the excitement building, I decided it could be a good time for a very early 53-man roster projection. We have a long way to go, but here is how I currently think the Denver Broncos 53-man roster will look come week one. Made the team: Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham With Bo expected to be 100% well before the start of training camp, I believe the Broncos will carry two quarterbacks on their 53-man roster. Veteran Jarrett Stidham has been the backup, is getting paid backup money, and is trusted by head coach Sean Payton, so I believe he will be the guy once again. Sure, the AFC Championship Game sucked, but I think Stiddy will be QB2 once again this season. I would anticipate Ehlinger landing on the practice squad again. The team loves him, he loves being a Bronco, and I don’t see them breaking up that quarterback room. Could Ehlinger push Stiddy for that QB2 job? That’s possible, but we’ll see how it plays out moving forward Made the team: JK Dobbins, RJ Harvey , Jonah Coleman and Adam Prentice (FB) I see the Broncos keeping three backs on their 53-man roster, with Tyler Badie landing on the practice squad. Dobbins is your starter, Harvey is your pass catching/speed guy, while Coleman will factor in on short-yardage and goal-line plays. On paper, it’s a solid room and one we could see the Broncos lean on more this upcoming season. How the touches and carries get spread out remains to be seen, but I believe this will be the Broncos running back room heading into Week 1. Veteran fullback Adam Prentice also makes the team. There’s the possibility they have him on the practice squad early on to open up a roster spot for someone else, but that’s TBD right now. I have Badie on the practice squad simply because he is a trusted pass blocker on 3rd downs. Made the team: Jaylen Waddle, Courtland Sutton , Troy Franklin , Marvin Mims , and Pat Bryant No real surprises here. These are the five locked into roster spots in my opinion, and I don’t see the Broncos trading anyone at this point. The question will be, who gets the WR3 job behind Waddle and Sutton? Franklin, Mims, and Bryant have all flashed potential and made some big plays, so it’ll be an interesting battle to watch throughout the summer. Made the team: Evan Engram , Adam Trautman , Justin Joly, Caleb Lohner , and Dallen Bentley Engram and Trautman are locked into their roles as main receiving and blocking tight ends, while Justin Joly is all but locked into a roster spot. The real question here is, who gets the final spot? Nate Adkins has been that guy, but re-signed on a vet minimum deal and has some competition for that spot. Rookie Dallen Bentley was a late 7th-rounder, so he’s far from locked in, but a strong camp/preseason could change that. Lucas [... truncated ...]
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