Like never before, the Broncos must grasp the NFL’s emergency third quarterback rule.
It shouldn’t take long, because the rule is fairly simple:
A) If the designated third, or “emergency,” quarterback enters the game during the first three quarters, the club’s other two quarterbacks automatically become ineligible the rest of the game. They cannot return at any time, under any circumstances.
B) For the fourth quarter and beyond, a team can use all three quarterbacks. The third quarterback can play and the other two quarterbacks can re-enter.
Let’s say the plan, as Broncos coach Josh McDaniels would draw it today, has Kyle Orton as the starter and Tim Tebow as the backup so he can run the run the “Tebow package.”
Because McDaniels doesn’t want to activate three quarterbacks on his 45-man game roster, Brady Quinn would be listed as the “emergency” quarterback.
If Orton tweaks his ankle in the first quarter? Most likely, McDan- iels would not bring in Quinn because that would mean Orton and Tebow would be done for the game. Tebow would become the team’s quarterback until at least the fourth quarter, when the more passer-tested Quinn could be used.
“All that is just speculation,” Quinn said. “There’s no sense answering questions about speculation.”
Branson banged up.
Tight end Marquez Branson suffered a sprained right ankle during the Wednesday morning practice. He had to be carted off the field and then helped into the locker room.
With Branson sidelined for the next week, Richard Quinn, a second-round pick in the 2009 draft, will get a chance to prove he can become not only a blocking tight end but a receiver.
“It’s time for me to step up,” said Quinn, who didn’t have a reception as a rookie. “I’m trying to make every play that comes my way and trying to get better every day.”
Outside linebacker Robert Ayers was treated for a left elbow injury in the morning practice and was wearing a heavy brace on his elbow during the afternoon practice.
“I’m OK,” Ayers said. “I just got checked out.”
Starting receiver Jabar Gaffney also left the field with an undisclosed ailment and did not return for the evening session.
Raider to Raider hater.
After seven seasons with the Raiders, running back Justin Fargas is with the AFC West rival Broncos. Fargas’ last 100-yard game came against the Broncos late in the 2008 season.
“It’s a little different, but it feels good,” said Fargas, who had been unsigned in the offseason because of concerns regarding a knee injury. “It’s always been a great rivalry. The Broncos have always been an organization that I’ve respected. To be part of it now and have this opportunity, it feels good.”
Footnote.
Inside linebacker D.J. Williams started the morning practice wearing an orange “no contact” jersey because of an undisclosed injury. He left the field limping with what appeared to be a pulled right hamstring and didn’t participate in the evening practice.
Mike Klis, The Denver Post
