Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater suffered a concussion on Sunday (his second in three months), making him “highly unlikely” to play against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 16.
Broncos backup quarterback Drew Lock filled in for Bridgewater in the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals, and he lost a key fumble at the nine-yard line when Denver was trailing by just five points (the Broncos went on to lose 15-10).
Lock has stepped in for an injured Bridgewater three times this season, with two interceptions, two fumbles and one touchdown in those contests. Given Lock’s turnover woes, coach Vic Fangio was asked during his Monday press conference if the team will consider starting Brett Rypien this week.
Fangio had a short answer: “No.”
Rypien signed with Denver as a college free agent out of Boise State in 2019. While Lock was injured last season, Rypien jumped Jeff Driskel on the depth chart and started against the New York Jets in Week 4. Rypien threw two touchdown passes and three interceptions in a 37-28 win that week. That was Rypien’s first and only start in the NFL.
If Bridgewater does not clear the NFL’s concussion protocol in time for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Lock will start in his place with Rypien serving as the backup.
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