Report: Broncos QB Paxton Lynch to make first NFL start Sunday
Oct 8, 2016, 4:55 PM | Updated: 5:55 pm
It looks like Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Paxton Lynch will make his first NFL start Sunday at home against the Atlanta Falcons.
According to a report from 9News Broncos Insider Mike Klis, sources say Trevor Siemian will not make the start after suffering a sprained non-throwing shoulder in last weekend’s win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Lynch took over at the 2-minute warning against Tampa Bay after Siemian was awkwardly tossed to the turf by Buccaneers defensive tackle Clinton McDonald.
In relief for Siemian, the Broncos’ first-round pick threw for 170 yards and a touchdown on 14-of-24 passing. He also led Denver on two other scoring drives— both field goals.
The Falcons might prove a good opponent for Lynch to get his feet wet in the NFL, with its defense ranked 29th in total yards (1677) and 31st in passing yards (1268).
Klis reports that though Siemian most likely won’t start Sunday, the second-year quarterback could play next Thursday against the San Diego Chargers.
It’s unsure if Siemian or third-stringer Austin Davis will back up Lynch Sunday.
“That would strictly have to do with whether Trevor starts or not. We’ll see where we’re at,” said head coach Gary Kubiak on if Davis would be remain active Sunday.
Siemian did not participate in Wednesday practice, but worked back on to the field in a limited capacity Thursday and Friday. He is officially listed as “questionable” for Sunday.
Earlier in the week, Kubiak stressed that Siemian remains the team’s starting quarterback, but he doesn’t want players out there if they can’t play or protect themselves.
“We don’t ever want to put anybody out there who can’t do their job. If a guy can go out there and protect himself and do his job, as a coach, no matter what position he plays, probably go on a different direction that day,” Kubiak said Wednesday.
In his first four starts this season — his first for of his NFL career — Siemian’s thrown for 824 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. He ranks in the top 10 of NFL quarterback in completion percentage (8th/63.7) and quarterback rating (9th/99.6).
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.
