The Denver Broncos flipped the script in a 34-6 trouncing of the Minnesota Vikings. Sam Ehlinger shined in a 3-touchdown performance, Justin Joly went for just under 100 yards, and Miles Scott forced a fumble in this game.
Almost none of the Broncos or Vikings starters played this one, so this game started off with Stidham and the backups. They led a field goal and touchdown drive, with Adam Prentice scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run.
Broncos Gabriel Christus/2026 Denver Broncos
Stidham went 6 of 9 for 78 yards before giving way to Sam Ehlinger, who came out and instantly threw an interception to begin the second quarter. Ehlinger righted the ship by finishing the game going 15 of 20 for 233 yards and 3 touchdown passes.
A couple of notable starters who played to finish out the preseason included Luke Wattenberg and Jonathon Cooper. Wattenberg, Denver’s starting center, hadn’t played all preseason due to injury. Cooper played as the Broncos anticipated his placement on the commissioner’s exempt list due to his alleged domestic violence in the offseason. Cooper has pleaded not guilty to domestic violence charges.
Two backup running backs stood out in their play being Cody Schrader and Jaleel McLaughlin. Each running back had a receiving touchdown, while Schrader went for 132 all-purpose yards on 19 touches. Since then, both running backs have been cut, with Schrader signing back onto the practice squad.
Madilyn Gemme/2026 Denver Broncos
Justin Joly was the author of a standout performance, recording 2 catches for 95 yards and a touchdown. Most of the production came on his wide-open 88-yard touchdown catch. Ehlinger recounted just how uncovered Joly was, saying, “He was wide-open… There has to be someone around, and luckily there wasn’t.” Joly, Denver’s 2026 5th-round pick, has since been waived and signed by the Miami Dolphins off waivers.
The final offensive drive for the Vikings was ended by a Miles Scott forced fumble. Scott, one of Denver’s 7th-round picks in the 2026 draft, forced the fumble on a combination tackle with Mr. Irrelevant: Red Murdock. Both rookies have been waived and signed back to Denver’s practice squad.
McLaughlin’s time with the Broncos is seemingly over. The veteran running back was an undrafted free agent back in 2023 before signing with Denver and playing 3 seasons, recording just over 1,000 yards and 3 touchdowns in his time in Denver.
Denver now looks forward to their regular-season opener on Monday Night Football to round out week 1. The Broncos will take on the Kansas City Chiefs at their home in Arrowhead.
