Klis: If Siemian out, Jaguars ‘not a gimme’ for Broncos

For the second time this season the Denver Broncos could be turning to its rookie first-round draft pick Paxton Lynch in relief of an injured Trevor Siemian.

Head coach Gary Kubiak revealed on Wednesday that Siemian suffered a foot sprain in the overtime period of Sunday’s 30-27 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, which puts the second-year quarterback’s status for the Jacksonville Jaguars game in doubt.

Mike Klis, 9News Broncos Insider, told 104.3 The Fan’s “C.J. and Stokley” that if Siemian feels good on Saturday that he’ll start Sunday. But if not, it’s time we’ll get another glimpse at the rookie.

“Siemian is more advanced than Paxton Lynch as far as running this offense and what he can do. But Paxton Lynch, five or six weeks ago, acquitted himself pretty well coming off the bench against Tampa Bay,” Klis said. “He did struggle against Atlanta. If he does play against Jacksonville, I’m sure he’ll struggle again, but he’ll also make some plays.”

Klis said that if Siemian can be as healthy as he was ahead of the team’s Week 6 road loss to the San Diego Chargers — the first game back for the second-year pro after suffering a non-throwing shoulder injury in Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — that he’ll play Sunday.

However, either way, a Jacksonville game circled as a likely win on most people’s calendars has become slightly more precarious for a Broncos team desperately in need to win out in its last five games.

“It’s not a gimme anymore. If Siemian doesn’t play, it’s not a gimme for sure,” Klis said.

Lynch performed admirably in relief of Siemian against the Bucs, going 14-of-24 for 170 yards and one touchdown in the win, but the next week the rookie struggled in a loss at home against the Atlanta Falcons, going 23-of-35 for 223 yards, one touchdown, and one pick.

Along with veteran backup Austin David, Lynch received first-team reps in practice Wednesday and likely will continue to do so, but that doesn’t necessarily mean Siemian won’t be ready for Sunday.

“Trevor could play without practicing. Trevor is very bright. He’s on top of what we’re doing. That’s not an issue at all,” Kubiak said.

Siemian had arguably one of his best games of the season — and career — against the Chiefs, completing 20 of 34 passes for 368 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, the majority of which came after a lackluster first half.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.