Trevor Siemian injury: Broncos QB out until OTAs

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 01: Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) calls the play at the line of scrimmage during a game between the Denver Broncos and the Oakland Raiders on January 01, 2017, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, CO. Denver defeated Oakland by a score of 24-6. (Photo by Rich Gabrielson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 01: Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) calls the play at the line of scrimmage during a game between the Denver Broncos and the Oakland Raiders on January 01, 2017, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, CO. Denver defeated Oakland by a score of 24-6. (Photo by Rich Gabrielson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Denver Broncos already face serious questions at quarterback, but now Trevor Siemian’s injury timeline only complicates matters further.

The Denver Broncos were already facing some issues at the game’s most important position of quarterback. After the letdown season after winning a Super Bowl, the Broncos were already wondering whether they could be successful with another season of Trevor Siemian at the helm or whether Paxton Lynch was finally ready to take the reins. They might be forced to go with the latter after all.

Mike Klis has a report that Siemian’s shoulder injury was worse than expected and the recovery from his surgery, more serious than initially believed, will keep him out until OTAs and even that is a bit generous. He will most certainly be limited when making throws and competing in OTAs in the spring, which means that Lynch should receive the lion’s share of first team reps. It’s a golden opportunity for the former first round pick.

Elway made a move to trade up and get Lynch in the NFL Draft ahead of other teams who could have pounced, like the Kansas City Chiefs. With a big arm, he’s already had a year to sit and watch from the sidelines and another full offseason at the pro level should help his readiness. The team will adjust to a new coaching staff, which could hinder Lynch’s growth in some ways, but others have stepped in before with much less training and succeeded. Perhaps there’s no more excuse anymore.

Then again, the Broncos have been linked to other names like Tony Romo this offseason, so perhaps Elway goes outside the organization to find the starting quarterback for the Broncos this year. It will be interesting to see what the Chiefs rivals do at quarterback in the months to come.