Broncos cut backup QB Caleb Hanie; Brock Osweiler is now their 'Plan B'

Caleb Hanie appeared to have won the backup QB job, but was cut Saturday, leaving Brock Osweiler as Denver's only reserve behind Peyton Manning.

John Elway indicated Tuesday that the Broncos wouldn't have three quarterbacks on the 46-man active roster for the season opener with the Steelers.

But no one banked on the team cutting Caleb Hanie to create that scenario -- which is what happened Saturday, when the Broncos released the five-year veteran.

The Broncos promoted DT Sealver Siliga from the practice squad to take his place. Siliga had worked with the first team during organized team activites this past spring, but eased back down the depth chart after Ty Warren began taking part in offseason practices following a contract impasse that was resolved.

Hanie's release leaves rookie Brock Osweiler as the only quarterback behind Peyton Manning on the 53-man roster.

It's possible that the Broncos could bring back Hanie in the coming days, and that this cut was simply made so they didn't owe him his full, guaranteed salary this year. But if Hanie were so valuable as a backup, then why would the Broncos cut him in the first place, leaving Osweiler as their only reserve option for such a crucial game?

For this week, at least, "Plan B" stands for "Brock."

For up-to-the-minute Broncos updates, follow Andrew Mason on Twitter at @CBSSportsNFLDEN and @MaxBroncos.