Sore shoulder keeps Siemian from throwing; QB still expected to start Satuday

CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- Trevor Siemian received the nod to start in the Broncos' third preseason game, but his arm sat in the idle position at Tuesday's practice. Siemian did not throw because of a sore right shoulder sustained while attempting to tackle San Francisco's Eric Reid on his pick six last Saturday. 

Coach Gary Kubiak labeled Siemian's injury a bruise, calling his situation day-to-day. He said the plan remains to start the 2015 seventh-round draft pick against the Los Angeles Rams. Siemian worked in drills with the first-team offense, but only handed the ball off. 

"He has a very sore shoulder. Yes, I expect him to be there (on Saturday)," Kubiak said. "I think it was normal (that he tried for the tackle). He's going to be OK. You don't ever want to lose a player, but they're going to compete."

Mark Sanchez and Paxton Lynch took the throwing reps. Lynch played at times with the first-string offensive line, but also worked on the scout team. Sanchez, who is still trying to wrap his head around his turnovers against San Francisco after his diligent offseason, ran sprints in between reps. He has done everything the Broncos have asked as a leader and worker, but his inability to protect the football continues to haunt him. There's no guarantee he makes the team. Why? It's no longer certain the Broncos would keep him at a $4.5 million salary if they believe Lynch is close to game ready. The Broncos would take a $1 million cap hit in dead money if Sanchez fails to make it. However, they would no longer surrender a draft pick to the Philadelphia Eagles, which was conditional on him being on the roster.

Also, the Broncos are actively trying to sign receiver Emmanuel Sanders to an extension.  

As for Siemian, he scored high marks in Saturday's loss for his leadership. Tight end Virgil Green said it seems like Siemian has "been around four or five years." And offensive coordinator Rick Dennison praised Siemian's command of the huddle on Tuesday, particularly on the first scoring drive. 

So on the first day of the second week with Siemian, the Broncos starter didn't throw. Yet, Kubiak, probably because he navigated quarterback drama last season, remained calm as a lagoon.

"It's easy for me to balance because I have a lot of issues going on. It's hard for me to balance with you guys because what you all want to talk about," Kubiak said with a smile. "When I walk up here, there's a lot of balancing going on."