Lock to start preseason opener

The Broncos listed QBs Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater as co-starters on the first unofficial depth chart. Per HC Vic Fangio, Lock will start Week 1 of the preseason vs. Minnesota; Bridgewater will start Week 2 against Seattle. Fangio said Lock is getting the first crack at starting because he’s the returning veteran — not because he’s outplayed Bridgewater. We ultimately expect both passers to make starts in 2021.

Broncos QB Drew Lock is questionable to return to Sunday's game vs. the Chargers with a right shoulder injury. We'll update his status when we know more. QB Brett Rypien is in for Denver.

Update: Lock returned in the 2nd quarter.

Broncos HC Vic Fangio said he was pleased with the performance from each of his top 2 QBs in Saturday's preseason opener against the Vikings. Drew Lock started, completed 5 of 7 passes for 151 yards and tossed a pair of TDs -- including an 80-yard connection with K.J. Hamler. Teddy Bridgewater then went 7-of-8 for 74 yards and another TD. "I don't think any separation happened today," Fangio said of the QB competition afterward, according to Andrew Mason of DNVR. Bridgewater is expected to start the next game.

The Broncos are giving 1st reps to QB Drew Lock as training camp begins. But it doesn’t sound like we should read too much into that. "We have these first four days. Everything was 50-50 in OTA. We will take look after the first off day. Then maybe do a day where one gets 70 and the other 30 reps,” Fangio said, according to Troy Renck. “It's going to be 50-50." Expect an even split early. We’ll look for signs that either Lock or Teddy Bridgewater is taking the lead in their competition.

Broncos QB Drew Lock worked with Peyton Manning to put together an extensive offseason workout plan that includes multiple throwing sessions, footwork work and film sessions every day, according to NFL Network's James Palmer. 2021 feels like a make-or-break year for Lock after 2 mostly disappointing seasons to start his NFL career. Denver made a cheap trade for QB Teddy Bridgewater this offseason but didn't add a QB in the draft, so the door remains wide open for Lock to be the 2021 starter. And he certainly has the weapons to be a fantasy factor. We'll monitor the Lock vs. Bridgewater battle all summer.

Broncos QBs Drew Lock, Brett Rypien and Blake Bortles have tested negative for COVID and been cleared to return to the team. Lock will be back under center for Sunday night's game against the Chiefs. That puts guys like WR Jerry Jeudy and TE Noah Fant back in play for Week 12 fantasy lineups.