After the game, Head Coach Sean Payton referenced the popular singing competition show The Voice when talking about the preseason finale. When asked about his message to players on the roster bubble and why the last preseason game matters, he told reporters, “Hey, make us spin the chair.”
One player who came out of nowhere and may have done that tonight is sixth-string running back Cody Schrader. He has played behind Dobbins, Harvey, Coleman, Badie, and McLaughlin all preseason and mostly was getting late-game work. He is likely viewed as a sure-fire cut candidate and likely a long shot for a practice squad spot.
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However, after tonight, he may have made the Broncos spin that chair.
Schrader finished the night with 132 total yards from scrimmage (90 yards receiving and 42 yards rushing) and simply looked like the best player on the field. He showcased tough running and good vision, and made multiple plays in the passing game, including getting open on a broken play and catching a touchdown from quarterback Sam Ehlinger.
Realistically, this performance may not have changed much for Schrader. We have seen players have big games in the finale and not make the team or the practice squad. Former tight end Albert Okwuegbunam is a great example of this. He had a great game in the finale, and we were having this same conversation, but he was still cut hours later and did not make the practice squad.
Could things be different for Schrader? He was claimed off waivers late last season, later waived again, and then signed to the Broncos’ practice squad. He later signed a futures contract with the team in the offseason and has served as a back-of-the-roster running back depth all offseason. As I said, heading into this game, not many people had him on their radar, but he may have quickly built a fan base after tonight’s performance.
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I think the Broncos will keep three running backs on their 53-man roster, and Tyler Badie will be on the practice squad. However, if they want to keep two backs on the practice squad, Schrader made a strong case for that spot tonight.
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