EXCLUSIVE: Broncos' Trevor Siemian says he 'feels good' about left shoulder

DENVER -- Trevor Siemian told Denver7 on Tuesday he is encouraged by the recovery of his left shoulder, but uncertain whether he will be able to start Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.

"I feel good about it, but we will see," Siemian said via text Tuesday afternoon.

Siemian admitted he would not require practice to play, something coach Gary Kubiak asserted Monday. There's no quarterback controversy. Kubiak made it clear: Siemian will start if healthy, and rookie Paxton Lynch will serve as his backup. Siemian is the only quarterback to begin his NFL career with four consecutive wins as a member of the Broncos. He has also played well late, completing 14 of 20 passes for 225 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in the fourth quarter. 

He failed to reach the second half against Tampa Bay. Siemian exited in the second quarter with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder after Tampa Bay defensive tackle Clinton McDonald threw him to the ground. He remained available for emergency duty as Lynch made his debut. In a testament to quarterback coach Greg Knapp's work with him, if not the staff, Lynch excelled, connecting on 14 of 24 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown to Emmanuel Sanders. The Broncos outscored Tampa Bay 13-0 with Lynch in the game.

Siemian must show he can maintain proper throwing mechanics with his lead arm and protect himself from further injury to be cleared to start. 

Regardless of the starter -- and more will be known by Friday on Siemian's status -- the Broncos figure to test the Falcons. They rank 31st in pass defense and have managed just four sacks in four games. 

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.