NFL teams
Jeff Legwold, ESPN Senior Writer 8y

Sore Trevor Siemian expected to be ready to start Saturday

NFL, Denver Broncos

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Trevor Siemian, who has the inside track on the Denver Broncos' starting quarterback job, did not throw in Tuesday's practice due to what coach Gary Kubiak described as a bruised right (throwing) shoulder.

Siemian was in uniform for the workout, but he only took part in individual drills and was with the starting offense for its run-game work. He did not throw in any of the other practice periods.

"He just couldn't throw,'' Kubiak said following practice.

"He's got a very sore shoulder ... he did take run game and stuff in practice and took individual. We'll see where we're at (Wednesday)."

When asked if Siemian is still expected to start Saturday's preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, Kubiak said: "Oh yeah. I expect him to be there." 

Siemian was injured in the second quarter of last weekend's game against the San Francisco 49ers when he attempted a diving tackle during safety Eric Reid's 42-yard interception return for a touchdown. Kubiak said Siemian was just being competitive on the play, but joked Tuesday that the QB is just "not used to tackling.''

Siemian received treatment on the shoulder immediately following the game, as well as on Monday and Tuesday. He spent most of Tuesday's practice standing with the other quarterbacks, with his helmet on to hear the play calls.

"He's going to be OK,'' Kubiak said.

Reid's interception was Siemian's only major mistake Saturday, as he finished 10-of-14 passing for 75 yards, including 10 of 11 at one point. Siemian also led the offense on a 10-play, 86-yard touchdown drive to open the game. 

"He played well; he made a mistake,'' offensive coordinator Rick Dennison said. 

It's why Kubiak named Siemian the starter for this weekend's game and why Siemian now has a chance, with a quality effort against the Rams, to keep the job for the regular-season opener against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 8. 

Kubiak is evaluating Siemian's progress throughout the week, as well as the performances of Mark Sanchez and rookie Paxton Lynch, before deciding who will be the second quarterback into the game if Siemian starts as scheduled.

Asked Tuesday when he might decide that, Kubiak offered: "Probably the end of the week. I expect Trevor to be ready to go. We'll see.''

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