AFC West Preview: Denver Broncos fail to solve quarterback woes

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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 27: Drew Lock #3 of the Missouri Tigers looks for a receiver against the Texas Longhorns during the Academy Sports & Outdoors Bowl at NRG Stadium on December 27, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Notable Injuries

While the Broncos may have believed that sitting Drew Lock behind Joe Flacco this season would suddenly turn Lock into the next Patrick Mahomes, they are unfortunately facing an injury to Lock already. Lock was placed on injured reserve due to a thumb injury suffered in a preseason game. They now turn to Brandon Allen to back up Flacco for at least the first part of the season.

Additionally, after bringing in running back Theo Riddick in an attempt to fortify their backfield, Riddick was also placed on injured reserve after a shoulder injury. It is thought to be a six to eight week injury that will not require surgery, but he will most certainly miss the beginning of the season. That means the Broncos will rely heavily on Phillip Lindsay, Royce Freeman, and Devontae Booker to carry the running back load. Riddick would have been a nice pass catching option for Flacco, but he will not see the field for some time.

Lastly, the Broncos were without tight end Jake Butt throughout all of the 2018 season as he suffered yet another injury to his knee. It appears that the preseason has caused the knee to flare up and he finds himself yet again on injured reserve. It is unclear if he will ever actually play for the Broncos.

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