Sean Payton’s team starts to move

2 1 minute read

The preseason is over and the Broncos’ march from a full 90-man roster to the regular-season limit of 53 is on.

Denver ended its preseason on Sunday with a 3-0 win over Arizona (38-12). But shortly after that good atmosphere comes one of the most difficult parts of the schedule: telling dozens of players they’re being released or let go.

Denver and all other NFL teams must have their rosters down to 53 players by 2 p.m. Tuesday. Teams can claim players off waivers until 10 a.m. Wednesday (last year, only 24 players were claimed league-wide) and then, after that deadline, teams can begin building their 16-man practice squads.

Broncos coach Sean Payton said Sunday night he sees all three quarterbacks making the 53-man roster. He likes the team’s depth at receiver and said tough decisions lie ahead.

Cornerback Damarri Mathis avoided a serious right ankle injury, but it remains to be seen whether that injury or OLB Durell Nchami’s hamstring injury will impact the roster to start the season.

Below, The Post tracks confirmations on players being waived, released or traded as well as the first news on Denver’s practice squad.

Broncos working on multiple trades (2:55 p.m.): The Broncos have informed veteran receiver Tim Patrick and running back Samaje Perine that each will be traded or released before Tuesday’s deadline, sources confirmed to The Post.

Patrick has had a strong start to training camp after missing the last two years with injuries and was not in uniform for Sunday’s win over Arizona.

Perine also didn’t play in Sunday’s final preseason game. The team clearly wanted to ensure the running back’s health to facilitate a potential trade.

Perine was an effective third-and-2 back for Denver last year, but the Broncos have several other options this summer with Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and rookie Audric Estime in the front office.