Kyle Peko hardly slept Friday morning when the Broncos arrived back in Denver at 3:30 a.m. following their preseason finale against Arizona. His mind was swimming and despite being worn out from the game, his body was full of energy.

Coach Gary Kubiak told the team to expect most of the roster cuts as they trimmed from 75 to 53 in the morning. Peko was one of many players on the bubble who were stressing the decision as to whether their NFL dream would continue on the Broncos’ roster or if they would have to hope for another chance elsewhere.

“I was up at 7 a.m. wide awake thinking, ‘am I going to get the call? Am I going to get the call? I hope I don’t get the call,” Peko said. “I didn’t really have an idea what was going to happen. I got a call, 10 a.m., ‘come in, we’re letting you go.’ So I came in, had a talk with the coaches they told me they really wanted me on the practice squad, but I had to pass waiver claims. It was a waiting game after that.” Related Articles September 4, 2016 Broncos select three captains for 2016 seasons

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“We’re in a different situation this year, I will tell you, just because we play Thursday night,” Broncos general manager John Elway said. “We had one that we changed our mind on in the 24-hour period. Once we spoke with him. He was very happy.”

Peko added his perspective: “Saturday afternoon, I got a call from one of the player personnel guys he gave me the good news. He said, ‘There’s been some roster changes last-minute and I’m putting you on the roster.’ I just said, ‘wow.’ It’s nothing but a blessing. I’m just lucky to be here.”

Now, he’ll head into the regular season as the Broncos’ seventh defensive linemen and lone undrafted free agent to make the team. Peko was smiling throughout the locker room Sunday and he likely hasn’t stopped yet.