ENGLEWOOD — The Broncos got a head start before Tuesday’s cutdown to a 75-man roster by releasing eight players, led by defensive linemen Kenard Lang and Demetrin Veal and wide receiver David Kircus.

Others who were absent as the team began preparations for the final pre-season game Thursday night against the Arizona Cardinals included kicker Brandon Pace, wide receiver David Terrell, running backs Cedric Cobbs and Troy Fleming and tight end Teyo Johnson.

The names have not as yet been officially turned into the league, so there’s a slight chance that released players can still return.

Lang was the most high-profile name among the cuts.

The free-agent pickup started all 16 games for just the third time in his career last season, following Courtney Brown’s season-ending knee injury. The departure of Lang, 32, leaves the Broncos with five ends on the roster, plus swing-player Alvin McKinley, and means rookies Tim Crowder and Jarvis Moss will inherit more critical roles.

Veal also logged significant playing time the last two seasons, appearing in 31 games overall with one start. At 288 pounds, he was not a fit in Jim Bates’ defensive scheme that calls for hulking bodies in the middle of the line.

Kircus made more headlines for his personal stories than his on-field production, though he did play a fill-in role at wideout last season and helped on punts and kickoffs. Kircus made the roster last year after spending a year out of football while working at a Subway franchise.

He was involved in a fracas this off-season that resulted in assault charges being filed against him. He then took a lie-detector test at coach Mike Shanahan’s behest to supposedly determine who started the altercation. That case has been continued until Oct. 2.