National Football League

Broncos release QB Caleb Hanie

Published Sep. 8, 2012 6:03 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Denver Broncos released backup quarterback Caleb Hanie on the eve of their opener against Pittsburgh and promoted defensive tackle Sealver Siliga from their practice squad Saturday.

The moves mean rookie Brock Osweiler will serve as Peyton Manning's backup against the Steelers. But it doesn't necessarily mean Hanie's time in Denver is over.

Teams sometimes release veterans who aren't expected to play in the opener and then re-sign them the following week, saving some guaranteed salary.

Hanie's release means his $1 million base salary this season won't be guaranteed. He signed a two-year, $2.25 million deal on March 25 and won the backup job despite getting sacked nine times in the preseason.