The Denver Broncos wrapped up their preseason with a commanding 34-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on August 28, 2026. While starters sat out ahead of roster cuts, standout performances from reserve running back Cody Schrader and quarterback Sam Ehlinger shook up the team’s final 53-man roster decisions.
Preseason finales in the National Football League rarely offer clarity, but the Denver Broncos managed to squeeze plenty of intrigue out of a lopsided night. Following a disappointing outing the previous week, the team closed out its exhibition schedule with a 34-6 dominating victory over the Minnesota Vikings, according to Mile High Report. With virtually every starter on both sides of the ball watching from the sideline, the final exhibition match served as a high-stakes audition for fringe players fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster or the practice squad.
Cody Schrader Shines and Sam Ehlinger Rebounds in Preseason Finale
Running back Cody Schrader seized his opportunity, putting together what the outlet reported was the game of his career. Schrader racked up 132 total yards from scrimmage—including 42 rushing yards and 90 receiving yards—along with a touchdown. Operating with elite vision and elusiveness, he hauled in a wide-open scoring pass from quarterback Sam Ehlinger on a broken play.
His performance caught the attention of coaching staff, drawing a comparison from head coach Sean Payton. Payton told reporters at halftime and after the game that the preseason finale functioned similarly to the television singing competition The Voice.
“Make us spin the chair.”
Sean Payton, Head Coach
Quarterback Sam Ehlinger experienced a rocky start when he threw an interception on his very first pass. However, he quickly righted the ship, finishing 15 of 20 for 233 yards and 3 touchdowns. Rookie tight end Justin Joly also capitalized on the evening, hauling in an 88-yard walk-in touchdown pass from Ehlinger.
Roster Battles Highlighted by Preseason Decisions and Legal Status
While Schrader and Ehlinger boosted their stock, other roster battles shifted sharply. Running back Jaleel McLaughlin logged playing time deep into the fourth quarter while Tyler Badie earned the start, signaling that McLaughlin faces an uphill battle to secure a spot on the active roster. Meanwhile, veteran Jarrett Stidham started the game and played a handful of efficient drives before handing the offense over to Ehlinger.
The game also provided clarity for players resting safely on the bench. WR Pat Bryant and rookie running back Jonah Coleman sat out the entire contest, which signals that Bryant has locked down the WR3 job and that Coleman holds a guaranteed role in the upcoming offense.
Edge rusher Jonathon Cooper took the field despite the rest of the starters sitting out. Reporting indicates that Cooper’s appearance strongly suggests he will land on the Commissioner’s Exempt list, removing him from the active roster on paid leave while an ongoing legal matter proceeds.
Looking Ahead to the Regular Season Opener Against Kansas City
With roster cutdowns immediately ahead, the coaching staff faces critical choices regarding quarterback depth and the backfield rotation. Payton kept his cards close to his chest when asked if the team would keep three quarterbacks on the active roster, offering a simple We’ll see
to reporters.
Having concluded their preseason schedule with a decisive 34-6 win over Minnesota, the Broncos turn their full attention toward Kansas City for the start of the regular season.
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