Report: Broncos make QB switch, Lynch to start vs. Raiders
Nov 21, 2017, 2:47 PM | Updated: Mar 12, 2023, 7:35 pm
Just a day after the Denver Broncos announced it’d be moving on to its second offensive coordinator of the season, reports indicate the team is poised to name its third starting quarterback of 2017.
First reported by ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the Broncos are expected to announce on Wednesday that Paxton Lynch will start under center when the team travels to play the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.
Source: The Denver Broncos plan to make a change and start Paxton Lynch at quarterback in Week 12. Announcement is expected Wednesday. https://t.co/cvlZb9hhIM
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) November 21, 2017
The switch comes 24 hours after head coach Vance Joseph fired offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and promoted Bill Musgrave as the team’s play-caller.
Joseph said in a press conference Monday that he was “not sure” if current starter Brock Osweiler would remain in the role, and he, Musgrave, and the staff would discuss it this week.
As for if Lynch, who had been out with a shoulder injury since Week 3 of the preseason, Joseph said he would be available to play.
“He’s fine, and he’s ready to go. He had a good week last week,” Joseph said. “I’m going to get with Bill and the staff and see what his thoughts are on who’s the best guy for the job.”
Lynch, who received more reps in practice last week, said he was “excited” for the opportunity that his mind and body are both ready if called upon to play.
“I’m pleased with how I’ve progressed mentally and physically up until this point. I’m excited for the opportunity whenever it presents itself,” Lynch said.
The Broncos first-round draft pick in 2016, Lynch failed to win the starting quarterback role in each of his first two NFL seasons, losing out to third-year pro Trevor Siemian.
However, he did earn playing time in three games last season after Siemian went down with injuries, going 1-1 in two starts. He threw 83 passes for 49 completions (59 percent), 497 yards, two touchdowns and one pick.
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.
