Broncos RB Jamaal Charles 'probably' needs to play in preseason to make roster

Broncos head coach Vance Joseph said the Broncos will “probably” need to see RB Jamaal Charles, whose one-year deal could reach $3.75 million with incentives, play in the preseason before making a roster decision with the running back.

“He’ll eventually play,” Joseph said. “It depends on the (doctors) and how he’s feeling.”

Charles said he has experienced no setbacks as he’s gradually participated more in practice this month. He has made a concerted effort, he said, to run on his right side and cut off the knee that has been wrapped in a brace and was operated on as recently as November.

Related Players: C.J. Anderson, Devontae Booker, De'Angelo Henderson

It's concerning that Charles STILL isn't fully cleared for team drills after a full offseason of rehab. The Broncos signed Charles to a veteran minimum contract this offseason. Theoretically, they could cut him with no salary cap penalty; however, the Broncos aren't exactly deep at running back with an injury prone C.J. Anderson as the starter and second-year back Devontae Booker (wrist) in danger of missing the start of the regular season. This backfield depth chart is one to monitor in the preseason, with rookie De'Angelo Henderson a dark horse.