CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- Brock Osweiler delivered one of the best performances of his career Thursday, playing "backyard football" and inspiring teammates in the Broncos' first road win in a calendar year.
Yet signs are pointing toward Paxton Lynch starting next Sunday at Washington. Why? It's clear coach Vance Joseph has all but secured his status for next season with the back-to-back wins, the first which snapped the longest losing streak in 50 years, and the second which prevented only the third winless road season in franchise history.
"My message would simple be: something good is happening here," said Joseph of his directive to fans. "It’s going to get fixed. I promise."
With Joseph talking like a coach with a future, the rationale to play prospects makes more sense. Even it's not fair, especially to Osweiler, the Broncos will feature some December call-ups (Not to be confused with September call-ups). Lynch went through a full pregame routine Thursday and will be medically cleared to face Washington after testing his sprained ankle.
Trevor Siemian, as known Thursday, is lost for the season with a dislocated left shoulder. The Broncos are not considering signing a third quarterback, willing to rely on receiver Jordan Taylor or the use of wildcat running packages with C.J. Anderson. Two things were revealing Friday. Joseph indicated Lynch would likely play even if Siemian were still starting. And Joseph explained the quarterback position is different than others because they need to know where they stand entering the offseason.
Lynch could start or simply enter the final two games at some point.
"I am not sure," said Joseph on who will start. "I want to see Lynch play more (which will have bearing on the decision). That's going to be a long and conversation."
Footnotes
Joseph said De'Angelo Henderson could see playing time over the final two weeks. ... Receiver Emmanuel Sanders is considered day-to-day with a right ankle sprain. ... The Broncos' players are off until Monday.
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Want Broncos news? Denver7 Broncos insider Troy E. Renck is your source. He talks to the players, covers the games and reports scoops on Denver7 and the Denver7 app. He is a CU grad who has covered pro sports in Colorado since 1996, including 14 years at The Denver Post. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and TheDenverChannel.com’s Broncos page. Troy welcomes most of your emails at Troy.Renck@kmgh.com.
