Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper played the first two series in Friday’s preseason finale. Now it will be seen when he plays again.

Cooper is facing a felony domestic violence charge and two misdemeanors for an alleged incident in June in Douglas County and has a court hearing Monday. He could face discipline from the NFL in the form of a suspension or being put on the commissioner’s exempt list regardless of the legal outcome of his case.

Cooper was the only defensive starter the Broncos used in the 34-6 win over Minnesota at Empower Field. Head coach Sean Payton acknowledged that using Cooper was in part due to the uncertainty with his status, but he also said he didn’t want to use other outside linebackers too much in the game.

“You have to look behind you like who’s coming in for the next 3 ½ quarters,” said Payton, who said Cooper played nine snaps. “(Cooper) did good work.”

The only other Denver starter to play Friday was center Luke Wattenberg, who was in for one series. The Broncos wanted to give him some work after he missed the first two preseason games due to injury.

Schrader comes up big

With the Broncos resting their top three running backs, that gave Cody Schrader a chance to shine against the Vikings.

Schrader carried 13 times for 42 yards and caught six passes for 90 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown from Sam Ehlinger in the third quarter.

“It definitely meant a lot,” Schrader said. “I’m so thankful for this organization, just in terms of how they take preseason (seriously). It means a lot to guys like me and guys that are competing and fighting for every opportunity.”

When Schrader caught his touchdown pass in the third quarter, he threw the ball into the stands.

“I didn’t think to keep that thing,” he said. “I just kind of blacked out in the moment. I was just super excited to get in the end zone.”

The Broncos rested their top three running backs in J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey and Jonah Coleman.

Murdock waits on Sunday

Rookie linebacker Red Murdock led the Broncos in the preseason with 18 tackles. Now the seventh-round pick must wait until Sunday to see if he makes the 53-man roster.

“The main thing is we can’t control it,” Murdock said. “What we could control was what we did out there on the field. … Just going to breathe, going to get my recovery (and) learn from what I did on the field.”

Teams must get down to the initial regular-season roster of 53 by 4 p.m. Sunday. Murdock believed he helped his cause by calling signals on defense during the preseason.

“It plays a great role in my development as a linebacker,” he said. “I’m just thankful to be able to play any role to help your team.”

Katsis shines again

For the second straight preseason game, Broncos undrafted rookie receiver Kolbe Katsis came up big on a kickoff return.

The previous Friday against Green Bay, Katsis returned a kickoff 40 yards. On Friday, he returned one 48 yards.

Katsis also looked good on punt returns, bringing back two for a 15.5 average. That was on the heels of having a 17-yard punt return against the Packers.

Briefly

Defensive tackle Jordan Jackson, an Air Force graduate, had a solid training camp and preseason. However, he has to be regarded as being on Denver’s roster bubble, which is an annual occurrence for him. “Every year is different,” Jackson said. “You really never know. … To put in the work I put in, (Jackson will) see how it all (goes).” … Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin, on the roster bubble, had seven carries for 23 yards and caught six passes for 35 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown reception from Ehlinger in the second quarter. … Linebacker Karene Reid led Denver with five tackles.