Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke (6) and Denver Broncos safety JL Skinner (34) celebrate after a turnover on downs in the second quarter of the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. / Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Broncos made the surprising decision to trade Devaughn Vele on Thursday, and Sean Payton spoke about it after the deal.

I can’t say he’s going to be medically ready to play Week 1, but close enough to where we’re probably going to hold him [on the active roster],” Head Coach Sean Payton said Thursday.

Broncos coach Sean Payton said after Thursday's practice he expects the team will keep tight end Nate Adkins, who had a recent "tightrope'' procedure to repair ligaments in his ankle, on the roster to open the season instead of a stint on short-term IR.

The game will be locally televised in the Denver market on KTVD with Steve Levy (play-by-play) and Ryan Harris (analyst) providing commentary while Cynthia Frelund and Scotty Gange report from the sidelines. Out-of-market fans can also stream the game live on NFL+.

Saints coach Kellen Moore details quarterback plan for his team's final 2025 preseason game against Broncos on Saturday

Broncos coach Sean Payton on Wednesday's trade of wide receiver Devaughn Vele to the Saints: "Two, and then a third team called, we weren't actively shopping at all ... and all coincidentally on (Vele)

On Wednesday, Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi echoed Payton, playing down Harvey's bouncing-it-outside tendency while acknowledging that not every run call is designed for it.

The Athletic's Mike Jones put Denver Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II at No. 6 on his list of the Top 25 NFL Players 25 And Under in 2025.