Broncos QB Russell Wilson likely to play in preseason

Sean Payton called his shot all the way back in March and hasn’t changed his tune yet.

Broncos starters are going to see playing time in the preseason. Some may be held back next Friday at Arizona for the preseason opener if they’re dealing with injuries. Payton indicated a handful, like potentially running back Javonte Williams, may see time in the second or third weeks instead of right away as rehabilitations continue.

But most or all will play at some point and many will see time against the Cardinals.

“I haven’t shelled it out yet, but they’re going to play,” he said Saturday when asked about starters specifically. “We’ll figure out the snaps. We typically break the game into three phases, first, second and third phase and then special teams we might just have two phases, but we’ll have a plan, especially as we get into next week. I have a few notes written down.

“I don’t have a pitch count. I don’t have an exclusion list, if somebody has a leg injury that we (want to manage). But you can expect to see our guys play a little bit.”

Even quarterback Russell Wilson?

“Yeah, that would include him. He’s a player,” Payton deadpanned Saturday before cracking a bit of a smile.

The exact plan will come together over the coming days and, of course, depends some on how practice proceeds next week. The Broncos have essentially normal camp days Monday through Wednesday and then Payton said they will go through some Arizona-specific preparations on Thursday morning before the team charter later in the day.

Sanders a winner already. Rookie inside linebacker Drew Sanders already has a win under his belt.

The third-round pick this spring knew Payton was planning to give an award to the minicamp participant who gave the most cliched, boring interview to reporters in the locker room.

A coach’s kid, Sanders figured to be a strong contender and he delivered.