ENGLEWOOD
The Denver Broncos face critical decisions two weeks before the Super Bowl champions open the season.
They have more questions than answers heading into the third preseason game, none more glaring than at quarterback. Trevor Siemian was named the starter ahead of veteran Mark Sanchez for the game Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams, and the full-time job appears to be his to lose.
Siemian, in his second year out of Northwestern, said he isn’t looking beyond the Rams.
“I’m not reading too much into it,” he said of his second consecutive start.
Siemian was limited in practice Tuesday because of a bruised right shoulder, but he was throwing Wednesday. Head coach Gary Kubiak said Siemian did 80 percent of his usual workload and is still on track to be the starter against the Rams.
“He looked good,” Kubiak said. “I think he was a little sore coming out but he worked through it and hopefully he’ll be better (Thursday).”
Siemian was 10-of-14 for 75 yards and led the Broncos to a touchdown on their first drive of Saturday’s game against San Francisco. He dinged his shoulder when he tried to make a tackle on safety Ed Reid, who intercepted him and returned it for a touchdown early in the second quarter.
“I was a little sore, and it got a little more sore as it went on. I didn’t feel anything right away,” Siemian said. “I’ve gotten better each day. If I’m playing (Saturday) I won’t be holding back.”
Sanchez struggled in last Saturday’s loss to San Francisco. He was 10-of-17 for 120 yards, fumbled twice and was nearly picked off. He said after the game that he “squandered an opportunity” to separate himself from Siemian as the No. 1 quarterback. He clarified that comment Wednesday.
“Squandered an opportunity that game,” he said. “It wasn’t like, ‘OK, that’s it, throw in the towel.’ A lot of people interpreted it that way. That’s never been my attitude. I don’t quit. I’ll take this thing down the wire if that’s what it takes, and that’s what it looks like, so let’s go.”
Sanchez wouldn’t speculate when asked if this is his last chance to be a starter in the NFL.
“That’s a big-picture question,” he said. “I’m still in the moment.”
The offensive line is still unsettled, most notably right guard. Ty Sambrailo was the projected starter but a hyperextended elbow has sidelined him for most of training camp. Darrion Weems was playing well in place of Sambrailo but suffered a concussion against San Francisco.
Sambrailo is still wearing a brace and has not taken part in practice. Weems is in the concussion protocol.
C.J. Anderson is the clear No. 1 running back, but veteran Ronnie Hillman’s spot on the roster is in jeopardy because of the play of rookie Devontae Booker and second-year back Kapri Bibbs.
Hillman led the Broncos in rushing last year with 863 yards, but Anderson was the main back in the postseason. Anderson rushed for 90 yards and a score in the Super Bowl, while Hillman had just five attempts for no gain.
Hillman has responded after being pushed by Booker and Bibbs.
“I thought Ronnie had his most productive game and week last week,” Kubiak said. “Ronnie is pushing hard. Kapri has been consistent, and Kapri has been a really good special teams player. Those are the things that are really important.”
Broncos beat
WR Bennie Fowler had the brace removed from his fractured right elbow and did some work on the field before practice Wednesday. Head coach Gary Kubiak said Fowler could be ready for the season opener against Carolina. ... C James Ferentz is out for a few weeks after having a knee scoped Monday. ... DE Derek Wolfe missed his second consecutive practice to deal with a family issue, Kubiak said. ... CB Aqib Talib returned to practice after missing Tuesday because of illness.
