Darrell

Hackney

The Denver Post believes that the team will turn to a Bruce Gradkowski or Craig Nall as opposed to Daunte Culpepper if they eventually need an experienced backup.

The lumbering UAB product Hackney was fourth on the depth chart. He’s a candidate for the practice squad, along with Mosley.

Hackney reportedly showed nice arm strength and mobility in the preseason and could serve as an emergency option at quarterback.

Hackney, Denver’s third-string QB, was pulled over a 2:30 AM, arrested, and issued a summons before being released. Hackney has not attempted a pass in the NFL since going undrafted last year out of UAB.

Denver’s answer to Jared Lorenzen? The 6-0/250-pound UAB product takes Simeon Rice’s spot on the roster and moves into an emergency quarterback role. His elevation doesn’t necessarily mean Denver is worried about Jay Cutler’s status for Sunday.

Hackney never had much chance to last through Denver’s regime change, but this move leaves the Broncos with only two QBs under contract (Chris Simms, Kyle Orton). It potentially sets the stage for them to add a passer in the draft.

The bowling-ball shaped former UAB Blazer closed out 2009 on Denver’s active roster. He’ll battle Ryan Dinwiddie and fellow cup-of-coffee NFLers James Kilian, Bryan Randall, Stefan LeFors for the Bombers’ starting job.

Peyton Hillis, Darren McFadden and Felix Jones’ college lead blocker, will be Denver’s fullback this year. The Broncos are left with two QBs following Hackney’s release. Mustard had recently gotten back from hamstring surgery.

Finnerty signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent last season, and stuck on the practice squad before being signed to the active roster for the final two games of the season. Baltimore didn’t tender him. As it stands, he’ll compete with Darrell Hackney for the team’s No. 3 quarterback job.

The big-bodied UAB product has been with the Broncos, primarily on the practice squad, since 2006. With Patrick Ramsey out for the season, Hackney is one Jay Cutler injury away from starting in the NFL. Fortunately, Cutler is indestructible.