ESPN’s Bill Williamson reports the Broncos added S Josh Barrett, QB Darrell Hackney, Offensive lineman Mitch Erikson and Defensive lineman Steven Harris to their practice squad.

In other league news RMN reports the New England Patriots released former Broncos Safety John Lynch today.

I am certainly glad to see Darrell Hackney and Josh Barrett on the practice squad, Hackney has played well and Barrett looks to have potential. John Lynch being released by the Patriots seems to reinforce Horvil Tiki’s assessment that Shanahan was right in limiting Lynch’s playing time due to his level of play, and gives less credence to the thoughts that Lynch left the Broncos just because he didn’t think they were contenders.

The Rocky Mountain News reports RB Cecil Sapp, QB Darrell Hackney, WR Glenn Martinez and S Josh Barrett were some of the first players cut by the Broncos today in order to trim the roster down to 53 players.

Also cut so far: offensive linemen P.J. Alexander and Mitch Erickson, tight ends Chad Mustard and Brett Pierce, defensive ends Paul Carrington and Larry Birdine and punter Sam Paulescu.

Running back Ryan Torain was apparently told he will have a spot on the roster.

Update: The Broncos placed RB Anthony Alridge on IR with a torn foot ligament.