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Later tonight, the Denver Broncos will kick off their 2026 preseason in Atlanta when they take on the Falcons in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL preseason. Broncos Country will need to wait one more week before we see quarterback Bo Nix on the field. Head Coach Sean Payton told reporters that Nix will NOT play in this game, but instead will play the following two weeks. He is coming off offseason ankle surgery and has been practicing fully throughout camp, but the team would rather not have him on the turf when they don’t need him out there. With Nix sidelined, quarterback Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger will get a half each, according to Payton, as they continue their competition for the QB2 job (even though Payton says there isn’t a battle happening).
Besides all that quarterback talk, we have several storylines to keep an eye on during the preseason opener, including the tight end and linebacker competition, who will replace John Franklin-Myers, and more. Here are the 7 storylines I will be watching during the Broncos preseason opener vs. the Falcons.
Stidham vs. Ehlinger
While Payton has downplayed this competition, veteran backup Jarrett Stidham and third-stringer Sam Ehlinger have been splitting reps throughout training camp. This has led many to speculate that they are indeed competing for the right to be the backup quarterback behind starter Bo Nix.
Both quarterbacks have had their moments this offseason/training camp, but Ehlinger has shown noticeable growth in year two with the team and in Sean Payton’s offense and could be putting the pressure on Stidham. After Wednesday’s practice, Payton was asked about both quarterbacks and told reporters that they’re both doing well and that they are going to play a half each. He added they are competing against the 31 other quarterbacks, but it’ll be good to get them some real game experience and to see how they are doing.
“They’re doing well. They’re going to play a half each. Again I’ve said this, they’re focused on their best stuff, and they’re competing against the 31 other quarterbacks, no different than the other positions. So it’s a great room. Those guys get along well. It’ll be good to get them some real game experience and see how they’re doing.”
Stidham will likely start the game, get the reps with the starters early on, and then work with the twos throughout the remainder of the first half. Ehlinger will get the second half, and we may see this rotation flipped in Week 2.
I still would be surprised if Ehlinger replaces Stidham as the Broncos QB2. Stidham is making decent backup money and was Sean Payton’s hand-picked backup when he first joined the team. It would take Ehlinger significantly outplaying him for this change to happen, at least in my opinion. It is also possible the Broncos like both as backup options and want to put as much film as they can out there for other interested teams. Teams get desperate for quarterbacks, and if you have three capable ones, teams could come calling.
Regardless, I am excited to see how both perform and if Ehlinger really has closed the gap between him and Jarrett Stidham.
Who will step up at TE?
The Broncos’ tight end play was mostly forgettable last season, and many hoped that would change this season, especially with OC Davis Webb now calling plays. Well, through nearly two weeks of training camp, it does not seem much has changed there.
Outside of Evan Engram making some noise early in camp, the updates regarding the tight ends have been few and far between. So, today’s preseason matchup could be our first real significant movement in that room.
The name I am most excited to watch is 5th-round rookie tight end, Justin Joly. I thought Joly was destined to be a Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but he slipped into Day 3 and the 5th round, where the Broncos selected him. He’s a pass-catching tight end who should thrive in the red zone, and I am hoping he gets an opportunity to showcase his talents today.
Then you have 7th-round rookie Dallen Bentley, who is a bit of a forgotten man. I haven’t seen or heard a single training camp update about him, but again, he has a chance to shine tonight. He’s more of an in-line guy like Adam Trautman, so pay attention to him in the run game.
Then you have Nate Adkins(if he plays) and veteran Lucas Krull. Both are fighting for roster spots or even a spot on the practice squad, so a big game would be beneficial for both players.
Regardless, I am hoping we end the night feeling a little bit better about the tight end room than we do right now.
Replacing JFM
The Broncos’ front 7 and interior pass rush have been the story of camp thus far. They have dominated the Broncos’ offensive line throughout training camp and now will have a chance to do it against an opposing team for the first time this summer.
Names like Eyioma Uwazurike, Sai’vion Jones, rookie Tyler Onyedim, Jordan Jackson, Tyler Miller, and Kristian Williams will have an opportunity to earn a larger role in the rotation, more snaps, and/or a roster spot on the 53-man roster or the practice squad. We will also have a better idea about who could replace John Franklin-Myers’ role on defense.
My focus will be on Uwazurike, who reportedly has been unblockable throughout camp, second-year lineman Sai’vion Jones, and rookie Tyler Onyedim. Hopefully, we see all three of them produce tonight, get in the backfield, rush the passer, or get a big TFL or sack.
Then you have guys like Jordan Jackson, Kristian Williams, and Tyler Miller all fighting for maybe one final spot on the roster and a role on the practice squad. These could be your third-team guys, so hopefully they can make some noise against the Falcons third string offensive line.
Que Robinson show
One player who I believe could be the star of the night is second-year edge rusher Que Robinson. He looked like a future starter last season and now has an opportunity to push for more playing time this season. He’s big, long, rangy, athletic, explosive, and has natural bend off the edge. He should have no issues against the Falcons’ reserve lineman, and I believe we’ll see him make multiple big plays tonight.
With the uncertainty surrounding Jonathon Cooper’s future and potential looming suspension, a player like Robinson could have a significant role on this defense early on in the season. Jonah Elliss is likely the next man up to start if Cooper does indeed miss time, but Robinson likely is the next man off the bench alongside Dondrea Tillman. So, a strong preseason performance from Que Robinson would be great to see and, frankly, is something I feel is very likely to happen.
I am also interested to see how Drew Sanders is doing. He moved to full-time edge and has been healthy for most of camp. He’s fighting for a roster spot, and more realistically, a spot on the practice squad, so he needs a solid and injury-free showing tonight.
Linebacker battle
One of the more intriguing roster battles happening is at the linebacker position. Starters Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are locked in, but the battle for the reserve spots behind them is pretty wide open.
We’ll have to see if Jordan Turner, who was recently activated off the NFI list, plays tonight, but if he does, he’s a strong contender for one of those spots. Same goes for Karene Reid, who made the 53-man roster last season and played a bunch of special teams snaps for the Broncos last season. I think Reid is another strong contender for a roster spot simply due to the special teams aspect. As for Levelle Bailey, the clock is ticking. He has been on the team for a few years now and hasn’t done enough to really push for a role on defense. He has been passed by other undrafted rookies and draft picks, so he’s potentially playing for his job tonight.
Then you have the rookies Red Murdock and Taurean York. Murdock, the final pick in the draft, is a talented hard hitting and fumble forcing machine. I want to see how he looks, how fast he plays, and if he can create any big plays tonight. I think he’s a strong contender for a 53-man spot, and a good performance tonight will only cement himself in the conversation. As for Taurean York, I am a big fan. He has the instincts, mindset, character, and makeup you look for in an NFL player. The issue is, he’s pretty undersized for an NFL player. If he can prove he can handle the speed, size, and strength of the NFL, he has a real shot, in my opinion, and could be making plays all over the field tonight.
There’s a lot of potential in this group, and I am excited to see how it plays out tonight. A strong showing could make the 53-man roster battle clearer. However, some struggles could see the team add a veteran into the mix.
Surprise standouts
Every preseason game, there’s always a player or two who stands out that we either overlooked or has been flying under the radar. The Broncos have a few players who I believe fit this description and could be players we see make some plays tonight.
WR Hakeem Butler: He’s big (6-5, 230 pounds), athletic, and has good speed. The former UFL standout will be playing against similar talent tonight to what he did in the spring and could showcase his abilities.
WR/KR Kolbe Katsis: This is one I am keeping an eye on. He was my favorite of the UDFA WRs. He has good speed, is a playmaker, and has made some plays in camp. I am excited to see what he can do with QB Sam Ehlinger and the Broncos’ third-string offense
EDGE Johnny Walker: Why not? Will be going against 3rd-team offensive tackles and has made some noise in camp. A few big stops or a sack will put him in the practice squad conversation and push Drew Sanders for a role on this team
CB Brent Austin: Austin has been a player who has been mentioned throughout camp, specifically for his work against the much bigger Hakeem Butler. The Broncos have a track record with undrafted rookie corners, so I am keeping an eye on Austin tonight.
S Parker Robertson: He also falls into the “why not?” category. The safety room is wide open when it comes to depth players, so an overlooked undrafted rookie safety could make some noise tonight once the bullets start flying for real.
Rookies in action
Tonight will be our first look at the Broncos’ 2026 rookie class in action.
DL Tyler Onyedim: I want to see some pass rush and TFL ability. Make a strong push for that JFM role.
RB Jonah Coleman: Run hard, showcase your vision, and stay healthy.
OL Kage Casey: Prove you are the LG of the future and can be a solid backup for the team this season
TE Justin Joly: Please just make some plays? We need it as a fan base.
S Miles Scott: A role is there for you in the safety room. Go and take it.
TE Dallen Bentley: Show you can handle the size and strength of the NFL in the blocking game and make some plays in the passing game.
LB Red Murdock: Big hits, forced fumbles, and standout on special teams.