Denver Broncos Release Unofficial Depth Chart Ahead of Chiefs Game

The Denver Broncos have released their unofficial depth chart for Sunday’s Week 8 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, featuring a starting lineup led by quarterback Bo Nix and a restructured backfield. Key changes include the activation of pass rusher Jonathon Cooper and running back Jonah Coleman following significant injured reserve moves, as reported by Broncos Wire.

Broncos move injured players to reserve list

Denver enters this AFC West clash after a flurry of roster activity. The team has placed outside linebacker Jonah Elliss, dealing with an ankle injury, and running back Tyler Badie, who is managing a thumb injury, on injured reserve. Both players are now ruled out for at least the next four games.

To fill those gaps, the Broncos activated running back Jonah Coleman and pass rusher Jonathon Cooper. While the team describes the current depth chart as “unofficial,” it serves as the primary blueprint for how Sean Payton intends to deploy his personnel against a high-powered Chiefs offense.

While Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey hold the tackle spots, Alex Palczewski is positioned as the primary backup for both guard positions and right tackle.

The battle for touches in the backfield

J.K. Dobbins remains the RB1, but the rotation behind him is shifting. With Tyler Badie sidelined, RJ Harvey moves into the RB2 slot, while the newly activated Jonah Coleman takes the RB3 position. The team also maintains Cody Schrader on the practice squad as an additional insurance policy.

Marvin Mims is currently on pace for 915 all-purpose yards this season. While that would mark the first time in his career he hasn't topped 1,000 yards, Sean Payton indicated earlier this week that the coaching staff wants to increase Mims' touches to use his ability to play multiple roles.

Defensive rotations and the return of Jonathon Cooper

On the defensive front, the Broncos are relying on a heavy rotation to pressure the quarterback. Zach Allen and Jordan Jackson lead the defensive ends, but the snap counts show a tight race for playing time. Malcolm Roach has logged 283 snaps, narrowly edging out Eyioma Uwazurike, who has 272. Both are viewed as essential components of the defensive line rotation.

Reinstated by the NFL ahead of last week’s game, Cooper returns to the starting outside linebacker rotation despite an ongoing legal matter involving a felony assault case that has a jury trial scheduled for March.

In the secondary, the focus remains on the health of Pat Surtain. While Jahdae Barron and Kris Abrams-Draine have performed well while filling in for injured starters, the team is monitoring Surtain’s ankle to see if he can return to the lineup for Sunday’s game.

Bo Nix keeps starting role at quarterback

The hierarchy at quarterback remains unchanged. Bo Nix holds the starting role, with Jarrett Stidham serving as the primary backup—a position Stidham has maintained since Sean Payton’s arrival in 2023. Sam Ehlinger remains the QB3, having stayed with the organization despite interest from other NFL clubs.

Denver Broncos Release Unofficial Depth Chart Ahead of Chiefs Game — Photo: si.com

Dallen Bentley, a seventh-round pick, has been a healthy scratch for every game this season.

The defensive core is anchored by Alex Singleton and Jordan Turner at inside linebacker, with Justin Strnad and Karene Reid providing depth. To further bolster the squad, the Broncos are utilizing the practice squad, where seventh-round pick Red Murdock and veteran Taylor Rapp are available. Rapp has already been elevated to the active game-day roster for the previous two contests.