Broncos Make Bold Roster Moves Ahead of Titans Clash
The Denver Broncos are kicking off their 2025 season against the Tennessee Titans, and the buildup to this game has been marked by some surprising roster decisions. One of the biggest storylines came when running back Jaleel McLaughlin, once considered a favorite of Sean Payton, was made inactive for the opener. Fans spotted him on the sidelines in tennis shoes during warmups, signaling early on that he wasn’t going to suit up. That leaves the Broncos relying on J.K. Dobbins, rookie RJ Harvey, and Tyler Badie in the backfield rotation.
The decision is notable because McLaughlin led all returning rushers for Denver last season with nearly 500 yards and a touchdown. His explosiveness had previously earned him plenty of praise from Payton and the coaching staff. But the competition for a game-day roster spot was fierce, and Badie ultimately edged him out. For McLaughlin, this marks the first time in his career he has been made inactive.
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Denver isn’t just facing questions about the backfield. Rookie draft picks Que Robinson and Sai’vion Jones were also listed among the inactives, giving the Broncos a roster that looks slightly different than some fans expected heading into Week 1.
On the other side of the ball, the Titans are starting a new era with quarterback Cam Ward, the number-one overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and a former Heisman Trophy runner-up. Ward is making history as the first rookie quarterback to start against Denver in a season opener. But he’s up against a daunting defense — the Broncos were the NFL’s sack leaders last season, and rookie quarterbacks have historically struggled against that kind of relentless pressure.
The Broncos also got mixed news on the injury front. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw, one of their major offseason acquisitions, will miss the opener due to a quad injury suffered in training camp. It’s the second quad injury he has endured, coming less than two years after a torn Achilles. That understandably raised concerns, but reports suggest his absence may not be long-term, and there’s even a chance he could return by Week 2. Denver signed Greenlaw to a three-year, $31.5 million contract, and both he and Payton have spoken openly about how much the team values his leadership and toughness.
Off the field, expectations are soaring. Payton has openly talked about his belief that this could be his best Broncos team yet, even hinting at Super Bowl aspirations during team meetings. That confidence is shared by legendary former head coach Mike Shanahan, who also believes this roster has what it takes to make a serious run. Still, some around the league caution against falling too deeply in love with early optimism, pointing out how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL.
All eyes are now on this Broncos-Titans matchup. Between Denver’s bold roster choices, McLaughlin’s surprising inactive status, and the debut of rookie quarterback Cam Ward, Week 1 already feels like a game packed with storylines that could set the tone for the entire season.
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