Broncos not expected to play starters in final preseason game

Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett reiterated he plans to save most of his starters until the regular season. Most Denver starters, including quarterback Russell Wilson, didn’t play in the 42-15 preseason loss to Buffalo. On Saturday, Denver plays Minnesota in the final preseason game.

Broncos starters played in all three preseason games last season.
“We want to see [starters] in real games,” Hackett said in a Monday news conference.“We were 0-3 in the preseason last year with the Green Bay Packers, and those [starters] didn’t play last year, but in the end, they were healthy and strong.” 

Hackett served as Packers' offensive coordinator last season as Green Bay won the NFC North and earned the No.1 seed.

When asked about not playing in the preseason, running back JaVonte Williams said that he understood Hackett’s strategy. “Anytime you go out there you have a chance of getting hurt, so I respect what the coach is doing with the starters,” he said. 

The Broncos already are dealing with multiple injuries. Inside linebacker Jonas Griffith is out four to six weeks after suffering a dislocated left elbow in the first preseason game. Right tackle Billy Turner is also rehabbing a left knee injury from last season.