The fates of many Broncos’ players have already been decided. After the fourth preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals Thursday night, the last few roster spots will be determined. Running back Ronnie Hillman and rookie returner Khalif Raymond are both fighting uphill battles to make the team. Kapri Bibbs and Jordan Norwood are trying to hold off these players for one more game, and hold onto their own jobs.

The most interesting battle this week will be at running back. Last year, Ronnie Hillman led the team in both rushing yards (863) and touchdowns (7). Hillman has not developed into the game-changing speed back that the team had hoped for when they drafted him in the third round back in 2012. He has had trouble breaking arm tackles, but has been exceptional when he can make it through the first level of the defense. Although this will be his 5th year in the NFL, Hillman is only 24 years old and he clearly brings a unique skill set to the Broncos’ roster, as the rest of the stable has been known more for their power than their speed.

Bibbs is a 23-year-old running back with zero NFL regular season carries, but his impact on special teams might give him an edge over Hillman. Bibbs is a key special teamer for Denver, while Hillman’s 5-foot 9-inch, 196-pound frame makes it difficult for him to make tackles in kick coverage. Bibbs played his college football at Colorado State, where he ran for 1741 yards and 31 touchdowns with an average of 6.2 yards per carry in his sophomore year (after not starting for the first six games of the season). Clearly Bibbs has the potential to be a solid runner, but he has not been able to adapt his game to fit the NFL.

Wide receiver is another position that could see some surprise cuts. Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Bennie Fowler and Cody Latimer are all locks to make the roster, but the fifth and sixth spots are still up for grabs. Jordan Taylor, Peyton Manning’s favorite rehab target last year, seems to have done enough during training camp to secure the fifth spot. The sixth spot will likely go to either 29-year-old Jordan Norwood or undrafted rookie Khalif Raymond. Norwood and Raymond play a similar game, and the winner of the job will also be Denver’s punt returner.

Norwood has played for the Broncos, Buccaneers, Browns and Eagles over the course of his seven-year career. His most productive season came with Cleveland when he caught 23

passes for 268 yards and a touchdown in 2011. Most of Norwood’s value comes as a returner. At 5’11” and 180 pounds, his shiftiness and good hands make him a safe and productive punt, and occasionally kickoff, returner. In Super Bowl 50, Norwood broke off a Super Bowl record 61-yard punt return, setting up a field goal that gave Denver a 13-7 lead over Carolina.

Khalif Raymond played college football at College of the Holy Cross, competing in the Patriot League. Raymond has been electric in training camp, showing off his speed and quickness. He has dodged tacklers and caught punts in heavy traffic. Raymond will have a hard time beating out Norwood, due to his lack of experience. Experience is crucial as a returner, as any drop can cost the team a game. Raymond needs to have a big game against the Cardinals if he is going to make the 53-man roster.

Paxton Lynch will play the entire game for Denver, leaving Trevor Siemian to rest for the season opener, and Mark Sanchez on the bench. Lynch has shown that he has potential in the preseason, making difficult passes and showing his athletic ability. He needs to continue to improve his reads and speed up his decision-making. Quick decisions will be particularly important Thursday, as he will be left behind a weak offensive-line with all of the starters expected to rest. Arizona has multiple talented pass-rushers, including first-round draft pick Robert Nkemdiche.

The Broncos play the Cardinals in Arizona on Thursday, September 1st, at 7:30 P.M. MST. The game will not be broadcast live nationally, but can be seen online with a subscription or trial to NFL GamePass. A replay will be broadcast on NFL Network on Saturday, September 3, at 8 A.M. MST.

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