Broncos head coach has a clear plan in place for how he intends to use his quarterbacks and starters in Thursday’s preseason opener at Chicago.
The starting defense, including pass rusher , will play a maximum of three series to begin the game.
“It depends on how it goes,” Joseph said. “If they go out there and play a dominant series, they may play one. If they have a so-so series in the first and a better series in the second series, they’ll only play two. But three max.”
On offense, was named the starting quarterback vs. the Bears; was named the starter for the second preseason game against San Francisco. Each quarterback, Joseph said, will play about a quarter and a half.
Starting running back will follow the script of the defense and play a maximum of three series. Veteran Stevan Ridley, rookie De’Angelo Henderson and will finish out the game. Veteran Jamaal Charles, who took more reps in practice Tuesday as the team moved back outside, will not play in Chicago.
“We want to stay with the plan for Jamaal and just give him more and more reps as we go along,” Joseph said. “Being inside (Monday), we didn’t want him on the turf that much with his history. Back on the grass, we gave him more reps.”
The starting offensive line Thursday will consist of Garett Bolles at left tackle, at left guard, at center, Ron Leary at right guard and Menelik Watson at right tackle. , still easing his way back from two hip surgeries earlier this year, will not play.
Injury updates
Joseph said inside linebacker will not play in Thursday’s preseason game because of the shoulder sprain that has kept him out of practices. Davis did not workout with the team Tuesday morning and Joseph said his availability in preseason could be limited because of the injury.
“His timeline, it’s day-to-day,” Joseph said. “It’s more precautionary for Todd than a concern.”
will start with Davis sidelined.
“Corey is on the lines of (cornerback Bradley) Roby,” Joseph said. “He’s our third inside linebacker, our starting dime player. So, in my opinion, Corey is a starter. On most teams, Corey would be a starter. If he had to play for us, I would have no problem with Corey being the (regular-season) starter for us.”
As for other injured or recovering players, running back (hamstring) did not practice Tuesday and safety (hamstring) observed from the sideline. Joseph said Monday that Ward will not play Thursday.
Emergency plan
The Broncos opened Tuesday’s practice by working on their contingency plans on special teams.
Defensive end stepped in as the emergency long snapper, Siemian took over for as the emergency holder, and then Dixon dropped back as kicker. On punts, kicker filled the emergency slot. McManus served as placekicker and punter and handled kickoffs while in college at Temple.
Footnotes
According to ESPN, quarterback is expected to start Thursday’s game in Chicago and will likely play a series or two. , a familiar face in Denver after last year’s quarterback competition, and rookie Mitchell Trubisky will play the remainder of the game. … Special teams coordinator was asked if Miller could seriously return punts. “We could probably put Von back there alone,” he said jokingly. “I don’t think there’s anything Von Miller can’t do. He’s a great dancer, too.” … Joseph said offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator will wear headsets on the sideline.
