Kapri Bibbs is still a Bronco. And introducing the newest darkhorse candidate for the Broncos’ final 53-man roster: Offensive tackle Paul Cornick.
Such were the developments after the Broncos trimmed 11 players from their roster Sunday evening. The most notable was the release of veteran offensive tackle Winston Justice, a former second-round draft pick who started 43 games in his nine NFL seasons.
Justice was given a chance to win the Broncos’ starting right tackle position during the organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp but by the first day of training camp, Chris Clark had won the job.
Justice’s release means Cornick, who spent the previous two years on the Broncos’ practice squad, has a chance to make the final roster as the top reserve tackle behind starters Ryan Clady. Third-round rookie Michael Schofield would be another backup tackle.
The Broncos also waived running backs Brennan Clay and Jerodis Williams, receivers Greg Hardin and Greg Wilson, quarterback Bryn Renner, linebacker Jerrell Haris, cornerback Charles Mitchell and former University of Colorado defensive lineman Will Pericak.
Linebacker Jamar Chaney was terminated/injured and Chase Vaughn of Colorado State-Pueblo was waived/injured. The Broncos now have 77 players on their roster and need to reach 75 by Tuesday.
One expected move would involve Jordan Norwood, a receiver/returner who suffered a season-ending left ACL injury last week.
The cuts of Clay and Williams leaves the Broncos with but five running backs. Bibbs, who starred at CSU last year, is one of them, although he seems to be running fifth in the group that includes Montee Ball, Ronnie Hillman, C.J. Anderson and Juwan Thompson. Bibbs and Thompson are undrafted rookies.
Ball and Hillman are not expected to play in the Broncos’ final preseason game Thursday at Dallas so that means Anderson, Thompson and Bibbs should get plenty of work.
