The Denver Broncos will start rookie quarterback Drew Lock against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 13, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The move was widely expected but Broncos coach Vic Fangio indicated Friday that a decision had not yet been made.
In reality, Denver decided on Tuesday evening that Lock would start as long as practice went well, according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. The Broncos did not declare a starting quarterback for competitive reasons, forcing the Chargers to prepare to face either Lock or Brandon Allen.
Los Angeles probably wasn’t fooled, though. Lock received increased reps this week, including the first reps with the first-team offense. It wouldn’t make sense to have Lock practice first if he wasn’t going to start.
Denver activated Lock from injured reserve to the 53-man roster on Saturday. To make room for Lock on the active roster, the Broncos waived undrafted rookie Brett Rypien. If he clears waivers, Rypien will likely be re-signed to the team’s 10-man practice squad next week.
NFL teams are allowed to bring back two players from IR per season. Denver brought back wide receiver Tim Patrick and Lock, which means tight end Jake Butt and running back Theo Riddick will remain on reserve for the rest of the year.
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