Broncos' Trevor Siemian throws Thursday, putting himself in position to play Sunday

CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- Trevor Siemian made progress toward starting against the Atlanta Falcons by throwing during Thursday's open viewing period at Dove Valley.

Siemian sprained the AC joint his left, non-throwing shoulder last Sunday, leading to aggressive rehab treatment. He felt better each day, and after sitting out Wednesday's practice, showed improvement by throwing light passes and going through shotgun handoff drills. 

Coach Gary Kubiak continues to make clear that there is no quarterback controversy. If Siemian is healthy enough to perform and protect himself, he will start. He's done nothing to lose the job, completing 68 of 101 passes for 824 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions. Siemian fired a touchdown on Denver's first play from scrimmage in last Sunday's win over Tampa Bay and maintains a 146.9 fourth-quarter passer rating (14-for-20, three touchdowns). Siemian didn't reach the second half against Tampa Bay, hurting his left shoulder when Clinton McDonald slammed him to the turf on a second-quarter sack.

Siemian told Denver7 on Tuesday he "felt good" about his shoulder's progress and repeated Wednesday during his press conference that he plans to start Sunday.

If Siemian can't go, rookie Paxton Lynch will start. He connected on 14 of 24 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown in relief last week. 

Regardless of who is at the helm in the quarterback position, the Broncos are looking to run better. The return of tight end Virgil Green and right tackle Donald Stephenson would help. Both practiced during open viewing Thursday. Stephenson called Thursday a critical workout to determine whether his strained left calf will be ready. Green is pushing to play, but like Stephenson, he knows he must be careful not to suffer a setback that would sideline him for a longer stretch.