There are multiple Denver Broncos Running Back options heading into the 2023 season. With returning players, experienced veterans, free-agent signings, and a deep bench, all options are on the table. Who will start Week 1 for the Broncos could change as preseason begins. Here are some of the top Denver Broncos running back options as Training Camp continues and the Regular Season looms.
Options at Running Back for the Denver Broncos
Starting Running Back: Javonte Williams
Third-year running back Javonte Williams is the first in line for the Denver Broncos running back options. After a great rookie season, Williams was injured in 2022, landing on injured reserve. The starting running back job is his in 2023, assuming her can make it back from injury. He has recovered well and has yet to miss a Training Camp practice. He is ahead of his rehab schedule and should play this preseason. Avoiding re-injury will be key, as Williams should hold on to the starting job barring any setbacks. He’ll have multiple running backs behind him ready to take his place should he be injured in 2023.
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Backup Running Back: Samaje Perine
Williams’ backup is former Cincinnati Bengal Samaje Perine. He came to Denver as a free agent this past offseason, after backing up Joe Mixon in Cincinnati. Perine should open the preseason as the number two running back in Denver. He’ll have to be ready to step up immediately if Williams does not complete his injury rehab in time for the season opener versus the Las Vegas Raiders. Should Williams start, Perine will at the very least be an oft-used backup running back. His time with the Bengals has proven his worth, and the Broncos will rely on him.
Free Agent Running Back: Dalvin Cook
Former Minnesota Viking Dalvin Cook remains a free agent deep into the 2023 offseason. He has yet to sign with any team, but many reports connect him to the Denver Broncos. Were Williams to have a setback, Cook could be the answer at starting running back, with Perine remaining as the number two option. Cook’s six seasons in Minnesota have proven him to be an NFL superstar, with four straight years of over 1,000 rushing and two seasons of double-digit touchdowns. The team that signs Cook will have an immediate improvement at the running back position.
Free Agent Running Back: Josh Jacobs
If the Broncos can’t land Cook, former Las Vegas Raider Josh Jacobs could be a solid option. After four seasons in Oakland/Las Vegas, Jacobs is now on the trade block, and rumors have connected him to both the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Raiders may not want to trade him within the AFC West, but they also may not want to keep him under his current franchise tag. If Jacobs is dealt, the Broncos could find themselves with a young veteran who has experience with a bitter rival.
Bench Running Back Possibilities
The Denver Broncos Running Back options don’t stop at the starter, the backup, or at potential free agents. There are four other running backs on the current roster who could step up into roles if they were called upon. Tony Jones played in New Orleans with head coach Sean Payton. Michael Burton played fullback for the rival Kansas City Chiefs for the past two seasons. Tyler Badie was on the Broncos roster last season as a rookie. Jaleel McLaughlin is an undrafted rookie from Youngstown State University. He is 5’7″, very fast, and has impressed at Training Camp. The Denver Broncos running back options are many. The 2023 season is about to begin.
Main Photo: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
