Receiver Keary Colbert was expendable, so he was dealt to Seattle for a conditional draft pick. Colbert was Denver's fifth option at receiver, a disappointment considering he was their first free-agent signee this year. Colbert, who signed a three-year, $7.2 million contract, kept moving down the depth chart and might have needed a strong preseason finale to make the team.
Denver signed receiver Clifford Russell to take his place. Russell had a good training camp and preseason for Denver.
PLAYER NOTES
--CB Karl Paymah gave up some completions against San Diego. Because the Broncos traded Domonique Foxworth, the only other option at nickel cornerback would be rookie Jack Williams.
--RB Michael Pittman will continue to have a role in the offense. What coaches like best about him is his experience. They know that no matter the situation, they can count on the longtime vet. The two tailbacks ahead of him, Selvin Young and Andre Hall, are in only their second seasons.
--TE Nate Jackson appears to have fallen behind Tony Scheffler on the depth chart, but he should still get some playing time in the offense. Jackson is a good receiver who is also a competent blocker.
--DE Tim Crowder has been active on game days but through two games he has only one assisted tackle. Crowder, a second-round pick last year, has struggled to make strides in his second season.
--OT Tyler Polumbus has been active for both of Denver's games ahead of former starter Erik Pears. Polumbus was an undrafted rookie who could turn into a contributor down the road.
GAME PLAN: This game could feature 80 passes or more. The Broncos should be confident in their passing game. Jay Cutler leads the NFL in passing yards through two weeks. With the Saints struggling with injuries in the secondary, expect plenty more spread formations from the Broncos.
On the other side, the Broncos have made a commitment to stop the run this season by putting a safety in the box regularly. They're giving up some support in the passing game, which showed during San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers' 377-yard game against Denver last week. Both teams will probably score plenty, the team that avoids turnovers might be the one to come out on top.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Broncos WR Brandon Marshall vs. Saints cornerbacks. Whether Aaron Glenn or Randall Gay or Mike McKenzie or Tracy Porter is covering Marshall, the Broncos will throw to him a lot. He has the matchup advantage against any of those corners. Marshall probably won't get 18 catches again like he did against the Chargers, but 10 wouldn't be a huge surprise.
Broncos special teams vs. Saints RB Reggie Bush. Bush is explosive in the return game, which could be bad news for Denver. The Broncos' coverage units have struggled, and gave up a 103-yard kickoff return to San Diego's Darren Sproles last week. The Broncos defense struggled to contain Sproles too, so Bush could have a productive day.
INJURY IMPACT:
--C Tom Nalen missed practice on Thursday. He had returned to practice despite some knee problems, but still has soreness. He has been ruled out this week.
--WR Darrell Jackson's calf injury has not allowed him to practice this week. He could miss a second straight game.
--WR Cliff Russell could be active this week, a few days after being signed to the active roster, if Darrell Jackson isn't ready to go. Russell knows the offense after spending the entire preseason with the Broncos and could help on special teams.
--DT Josh Shaw, who had 40 stitches in his lower leg after last week's game, hasn't practiced this week. He could be held out on Sunday.
--LB Louis Green practiced on a limited basis Thursday. If Green has a good day of practice Friday he could be considered for action this week.
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