Denver Broncos running back severely hampers chances of making the team

During the Denver Broncos’ 34-30 preseason win over the Indianapolis Colts, the running backs on the roster were quite the story.

The Broncos focused on the rushing attack in this game, giving five of the six running backs on the roster carries in this game. The other — Samaje Perine — had a pass thrown his way and it turned into disaster for the Broncos.

Absolutely brutal drop for Samaje Perine 😭pic.twitter.com/1qIRfzWY4z

— FanDuel (@FanDuel) August 11, 2024

On the team’s second possession and facing 2nd-and-20 from their own 43-yard line, Jarrett Stidham threw a ball out into the flat to Perine but Perine was unable to grab it, instead bobbling it multiple times before knocking it towards Colts safety Kenny Moore, who ended up with the interception.

It wasn’t a bad ball from Stidham. It was right where it needed to be. Perine just made a bad play.

Samaje Perine could be falling down the Broncos depth chart, quickly

It was a day where the rest of the Broncos’ backfield — save for a fumble by Audric Estime that was returned for a touchdown — was quite positive. Estime, Blake Watson and Tyler Badie all scored rushing touchdowns.

Perine is going to be in a fight for a roster spot, likely with the undrafted rookie Watson, and plays like this do not help his cause. Perine was good for the Broncos last season and Sean Payton usually values experience over a rookie, but plays like this are hard to ignore.

If Samaje Perine is truly in a battle for a roster spot, bookmark that play.

— Matt Schubert (@MattDSchubert) August 11, 2024

If the Broncos only keep three running backs, they will be Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and Estime. But if they keep a fourth, and they likely will, it will come down to Perine, Watson or even Badie.

The team has two preseason games left and Perine will need to make the most of his opportunities to erase this glaring blunder.