So if the Broncos keep Fant, Fumagalli, Heuerman and Butt, then they will carry more tight ends into the regular season than in each of the last three years. The last time Denver had four tight ends on its Week 1 roster was in 2015, and that was in part because James Casey was also listed as a fullback.

Given that new Offensive Coordinator Rich Scangarello comes from a background in San Francisco that saw the 49ers lead the league in fullback usage last year, it seems likely that Andy Janovich will have a roster spot. So if the Broncos are to keep four pure tight ends for the first time since 2015, that fourth spot will have to come from another position group.

While Fumagalli, Heuerman and Butt all possess potential, any recurrence of previous injuries means the Broncos could be caught short of depth on the active roster if at least one of them succumbs at some point.

But if the Broncos have to make a difficult choice at the deadline and part ways with one of those three returning tight ends, they might find their depth from the practice squad, which could find at least one tight end among those currently on the roster.

Rookie Austin Fort displayed a knack for red-zone receptions during offseason work, and Bug Howard had moments where he looked like a dynamic pass catcher, owing in part to his background as a wide receiver. Howard is officially listed at 220 pounds -- but he said that is out of date and was his receiving weight.

"I'm way past that point. I think they just took my rookie-year roster [measurements]," he said two weeks ago, laughing. "I haven't been that in a while."

Howard actually weighs 240 pounds, the size at which he played tight end for the Atlanta Legends of the ill-fated Alliance of American Football. He departed the AAF with experience and momentum and parlayed those into a successful tryout at the Broncos' rookie minicamp in May. He continued building his case for the roster from there.

At the minimum, Howard and Fort can continue pushing Fant and the veterans in the position group. But their play also ensures that the cut to 53 could be painful – even if they go heavier at the position than they have in recent years.