ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – As the Denver Broncos continue to inch closer to naming a starting quarterback, rookie Bo Nix will get his longest-ever opportunity as the starting offensive guard in Sunday’s home preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.
The Broncos and Packers practiced together Friday at the Broncos’ suburban complex south of Denver, and Knicks worked the entire day as the No. 1 quarterback. Coach Sean Payton traditionally divides preseason playing time into “phases,” with Phase 1 being the game’s starter.
“I think we’ll see Bo start at level 1. [Jarrett Stidham] Step 2 and Zach [Wilson] “We’re in phase three,” Payton said after practice Friday.
Payton said last week that Nix would start against the Packers, but that’s a bit different than last Sunday’s preseason opener in Indianapolis, where Stidham started against the Colts but left after 12 plays. Nix has since played with the Broncos’ starters, remaining in the game with the secondary offense for 39 plays.
This Sunday against the Packers, the Knicks are expected to have their starting offensive line take all the snaps. Payton said he wouldn’t be able to field many starters for the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams on Aug. 26, so this could be the last game for the Knicks and Stidham to have a starting quarterback.
Payton consistently praised Knicks’ maturity and poise throughout the offseason and training camp. Knicks was selected 12th overall in April’s draft, the highest the Broncos have taken a quarterback since Jay Cutler (11th in 2006).
Knicks will also be the first rookie quarterback to start a season under Payton’s longtime head coach.
Prior to this week, Nix and Stidham had split the work with the starters almost equally in practice. It was Nix who played most of the play with the starters in practice this week, while Stidham played some with the starters in team drills on Friday.
Wilson had been the starter alongside two other QBs throughout the offseason program, but Payton quickly trimmed the rotation from three to two after the first week of training camp.
The Knicks said Friday they have a lot to worry about right now, but they have no concerns about when Payton will make a decision on his starting pitcher.
“I don’t know. I’ve got to control what I can control,” Nicks said. “I’ve got a lot of other things to worry about. Whether I’m checking a play or killing a play, what shade I’m going to run, what coverage I’m in, what blitz I’m going to bring, what protection I’m going to have. So I’ve got to figure all that out before I worry about anything else. So far, I’ve been able to control it and keep things moving on the field, and whatever happens happens.”
“Honestly, I’m not worried about it,” Stidham said. “Shaun will make the decision when he feels it’s necessary. We’re going to play on Sunday, and that’s what I’m focused on.”
Payton said the Broncos will hold several personnel meetings in the days following Sunday’s game to announce starters and prepare to trim the roster to 53 players by Aug. 27.
“There’s a lot of guys hitting that wire… there’s a lot going on, a lot of evaluation going on,” Payton said. “I’d say we’re looking at nine or 10 spots right now. [general manager George Paton] We’re watching, we’re discussing, and there’s still a lot of time left.”
