Russell Wilson, Broncos Starters to Play in Preseason, Sean Payton Says

The Denver Broncos are prepared to show their stuff in the preseason.

Head coach Sean Payton told reporters on Saturday that he was planning to utilize his starters in the team's preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals on August 11

"I haven't shelled it out yet, but they're going to play," Payton said. "We'll figure out how many snaps. We typically break a game into three phases — first, second, third phase — and then special teams, we might just do two phases, but we'll have a plan, especially as we get into next week. I've got a few notes written down. I don't have a pitch count. I don't have an exclusion list if someone's got a light injury that we back —but we can expect our guys play a little bit."

When asked if Russell Wilson would be among those seeing action in the game, Payton stated "That would include him, he's a player."

Payton's comments also apply to running back Javonte Williams, although his debut may come in Week 2 of the preseason as he recovers from an ACL tear he suffered in 2022.

"He will get reps," Payton said, per Aric DiLalla of DenverBroncos.com. "It may be that we wait until Week 2. We haven't gone through the outline of the plays yet, but I like how he is progressing."

This is a change from last season, as Wilson did not see any preseason in advance of the 2022 season, but the 5-12 final record may be reason enough to reverse course from the prior season. Payton also said he would play his starters in the preseason in March, so this decision is an example of him sticking by his word.

While this period of play is historically used to finalize roster spots, it also can be used as a tune-up period to prepare players for the upcoming season. Given the violent nature of professional football, playing prominent players does come with its risks.

Preseason injuries have a lengthy history that can dissuade teams from playing their stars in games that have no impact on the regular season. Still, given how Week 1 for the Broncos went in 2022, it's understandable that Payton wants his players to be in game shape.

It's unknown if Payton is planning to utilize his starters in the following two preseason contests, but fans can expect to see the team on full display when they take the field in Arizona.