Broncos Trim Roster to 53 Players

The Denver Broncos released 2013 draft picks Tavarres King and Vinston Painter on Saturday, a sign of an improving roster that’s getting tougher to crack.

Two more of John Elway’s former draft picks were waived: defensive end Jeremy Beal and interior offensive lineman Philip Blake.

Also cut was veteran running back Lance Ball, who was set to make $1.323 million this season.

The Broncos also placed linebackers Stewart Bradley (wrist) and Lerentee McCray (ankle) on injured reserve along with rookie defensive end Quanterus Smith, whose surgically repaired knee isn’t ready for the grind of an NFL season.

Another notable cut was center Ryan Lilja, whom Peyton Manning helped lure out of retirement this summer. Lilja was coming off knee surgery and never mounted a serious challenge to starter Manny Ramirez.