Broncos' Trevor Siemian practices Friday, but no decision yet on whether he will start

CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- To QB or not QB? That is the question lingering with the Broncos' Trevor Siemian.

He continues to make progress, but coach Gary Kubiak wants to see him practice Saturday before making a decision on his status.

"He’s shown the ability to move and do the things he needs to do. It’s about us watching tomorrow and seeing what we think," Kubiak said. "He’s just working through soreness."

Friday, Siemian participated in his second straight workout on a limited basis. He threw more passes and of greater length during the open viewing period. He went through 7-on-7 drills on Thursday, but no team activity. Siemian appeared to favor his sprained left shoulder slightly less on Friday. The issue becomes whether Siemian can play effectively and protect himself. Even though the Falcons have only four sacks this season, the quarterback takes hits in every game. The Broncos also have a scheduling wrinkle to consider with Siemian, right tackle Donald Stephenson and tight end Virgil Green. 

Denver plays two games in five days. Following Sunday, the Broncos travel to San Diego on Thursday for a divisional game. Denver owns a 15-game road winning streak in the AFC West dating to 2011. 

"Those are pretty close dates, so we will see. We have three or four guys on the cusp, with what we’ve been through with Virgil and Donald," Kubiak said.

Kubiak declined to play the hypothetical game on whether Siemian would suit if he's not healthy enough to start. The Broncos have the option of starting rookie Paxton Lynch and using veteran Austin Davis as a backup. They rarely make three quarterbacks active on game day. Lynch played well in a relief role last Sunday, completing 14 of 24 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown. 

"I am more comfortable now," Lynch said, referring to his knowledge of the playbook. "I always prepare like I am going to start."

The expectation remains that it's unlikely Stephenson starts. However, it's not out of the question he suits on game day given how much better his calf feels since his injury on Sept. 18. There is concern about playing Stephenson and Green on Sunday because of the desire to have them available against the Chargers. Two games in five days would be stressing the limits of recovery for the strained left calves both suffered. Ty Sambrailo would start in Stephenson's place for the third consecutive game. 

Green told Denver7 Coach Kubiak will watch film of practice and, after talking with the training staff, let him know Saturday if he's good to go. 

"If I am not cleared, I will definitely be there on Thursday," Green said.

Footnotes

The Broncos recognize the challenge facing the Falcons offense. While Atlanta has built its stats on poor opponents -- Panthers (28th), Buccaneers (31st), Saints (32nd) in points allowed -- the Falcons punch early. They have scored 31 first quarter points, second only to the Patriots. The Broncos boast 13 first quarter points, and just one touchdown, last week by Demaryius Thomas. ... Denver, however, knows how to finish, outscoring opponents 52-13. The Falcons, meanwhile, have permitted 44 points in the final quarter. ... Cornerback Kayvon Webster (hamstring) hoped to play this week, but was ruled out. It puts more onus on Cody Latimer to make tackles on special teams. "My role doesn't change, but I know what I have to do," Latimer said. ... The Broncos' barber makes house calls. He cuts hair in the locker room and now has a chair decked out in Broncos' colors. ... Aqib Talib on the most important skill for a cornerback: "Confidence." 

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.