When the Denver Broncos open training camp this week, perhaps the most intriguing position group on the entire roster will be the running back spot.
The team has an interesting mix of players at running back and there are several different directions Sean Payton and his staff could go in when constructing the final 53-player roster. However, one Broncos insider believes that the team will be parting ways with at least one important veteran.
Troy Renck of The Denver Post believes that either Javonte Williams or Samaje Perine will be left off of the final roster.
Per @TroyRenck of the Denver Post, Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine appear to be in a battle for one roster spot this training camp.
— Kyle Yates (@KyleYNFL) July 20, 2024
“The room sets up as Estime, Jaleel McLaughlin and the music humming with one chair remaining for Williams and Perine.”
A ton of fantasy… pic.twitter.com/MymGzyBGRN
On the face of it, that may sound a little extreme, but is it?
Are Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine battling for one roster spot?
The natural assumption is that both players would easily make the 53-man roster. Williams, a former second-round pick, is entering his fourth year in the league while Perine was a huge asset as a receiver out of the backfield last year, particularly on third down.
But when you look at the other running backs on the roster, it's clear that this is a distinct possibility.
Sean Payton likes Jaleel McLaughlin, as you'll see below. He could actually be the starting running back when the season opens. He's not going anywhere.
#Broncos HC Sean Payton on Jaleel McLaughlin:
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) June 5, 2024
“He’s here at 5:15, even in the offseason. First one here, running in the weight room, and by the time he’s at breakfast and most people are arriving, he’s put in a good hour and a half’s worth of work. It’s just the way he’s wired,… pic.twitter.com/qMk17cfd6h
Audric Estime is a rookie that the team is excited about and he could be the power back of the future. That is four running backs right there and the team may only keep three on the final roster. Then you have a great-looking undrafted player in Blake Watson and even though his summer has started with a hiccup, he could easily figure in as well.
It would be difficult for the Broncos to part with either Williams or Perine, but Williams was noticeably not the same player last season that he was before he tore up his knee in 2022, and Perine, while productive in the passing game, is not as electric as McLaughlin.
As it stands, either Williams or Perine could be looking for a new team in 2024.
