The Denver Post's Ryan O'Halloran predicts that RB Javonte Williams will lead the Broncos in carries this season. He adds that RB Melvin Gordon could open the season as the starter with Williams getting a bigger and bigger role each week. "The Broncos traded up in the second round for Williams and they weren’t high-fiving and fist-pumping in the draft room because he will watch this year," O'Halloran writes. This will be an important backfield to monitor in August. Williams has climbed into the 5th round in recent FFPC best-ball drafts, while Gordon has slid into the late 8th.

Denver’s new coaching staff views RBs Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon as “interchangeable, capable protectors and sure-handed receivers,” per The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider. “It’s kind of a similar situation to what we had in Green Bay with a speedier guy and a downhill guy,” new OC Justin Outten said. “You want to utilize those guys because it is a long season. You don’t want to bang them up. You want to be smart with them, use their strengths, put them out on the field, and make them work. We’re excited to have both those guys.” It’s further confirmation that the plan isn’t to fully unleash Williams in year 2. He still figures to be a highly efficient per-touch player, but hitting his ultimate ceiling likely hinges on whether Gordon misses time.

The Broncos named Nathaniel Hackett their new HC. The 42-year-old has 13 seasons of NFL coaching experience with 4 different teams. That includes 7 seasons as OC -- 2 with the Bills (2013-2014), 2 with the Jaguars (2017-2018) and the last 3 with the Packers. Hackett's Buffalo and Jacksonville offenses were mostly disappointing, but he was working with QBs E.J. Manuel, Kyle Orton and Blake Bortles. Hackett didn't call plays in Green Bay under HC Matt LaFleur but had a big say in the game plans. Most notably, QB Aaron Rodgers is reportedly a big fan of Hackett. So this move can only increase the chances that Rodgers ends up in Denver via trade.

The Broncos fired HC Vic Fangio. He won just 7, 5 and 7 games across 3 seasons with Denver. No word yet on OC Pat Shurmur, but we imagine he'll also be gone. We'll see who GM George Paton tabs as his new HC.

Update: The Broncos have also fired OC Pat Shurmur, according to insider Mike Klis.

Broncos RBs Javonte Williams (knee) and Melvin Gordon (thumb, hip) are active for today’s game vs. the Chargers. Both guys were limited in practice all week but should play their usual roles today.

Broncos RBs Javonte Williams (knee) and Melvin Gordon (thumb, hip) are expected to play vs. the Chargers today, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. Both guys were limited in practice all week but should be ready for their usual roles today.