Stokley: Short leash for Paxton Lynch if he starts for Broncos
Dec 1, 2016, 9:24 PM
It’s not yet know whether Trevor Siemian’s sprained foot will feel good enough for the Denver Broncos quarterback to play Sunday in Jacksonville, but the second-year pro missed his second straight day of practice on Thursday.
And if Siemian can’t go, it’s not a stretch to expect rookie Paxton Lynch to take control under center, as he did earlier in the season when Siemian went down with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder in Week 4.
Head coach Gary Kubiak said that Lynch is more comfortable and further along than he was when he started against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 5.
“He’s further along mentally and further along in what we ask him to do on a weekly basis. (He’s further along) in how quickly he processes information as compared to six, seven weeks ago,” Kubiak said.
But with the Broncos facing a crucial five-game stretch in which they need to be nearly unblemished in order to make the postseason, 104.3 The Fan’s Brandon Stokley said don’t be surprised if Lynch gets little leeway on Sunday against the Jaguars.
“I’m just telling you, with what I’ve seen over there at UCHealth (Training Center), this coaching staff isn’t a big believer in Paxton Lynch. I’m sure he will be the start, but I’m sure the leash is going to be short,” the “C.J. and Stokley co-host said Thursday.
Kubiak said veteran third stringer Austin Davis has also received first team reps, and Stokley said in a do-or-die situation you need to be able to pull a quarterback if he’s struggling.
“And if he is struggling, they’re not just going to leave him out there. You’re in a do or die situation,” Stokley said. “… If he’s not out there performing, and they’re struggling offensively, you could see Austin Davis in a heartbeat. Let’s not forget about him. This is a guy who’s played football before. He’s been here since the end of training camp, so he’s very comfortable with this offense.”
In his only career start, Lynch went 23-for-35 for 223 yards, one touchdown and one interception against the Falcons in a losing effort. In relief for Siemian against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the week previous, Lynch went 14 for 24 with a touchdown on 170 yards passing.
Davis last played in 2015, starting for the Cleveland Browns in a Week 17 tilt with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.
