Broncos coach said Wednesday the starters will “hopefully play more than 1 1/2 quarters,” in Friday nightap preseason game at Washington.
“We’re not going to count snaps, we’re going to count progress,” Joseph said.
The starters played into the second quarter of last week’s loss to Chicago and the third preseason game is traditionally the final tune-up for most of the two-deep depth chart.
“Just playing good football; thatap what I want to see Friday,” Joseph said. “Progress and positive football plays.”
Joseph would not commit to playing third-string quarterback against the Redskins. If Keenum plays into the third quarter, the Broncos could hold Lynch out so can get extra time.
“We’ll see,” Joseph said when asked if Kelly will complete the game. “Chad will be second and we’ll see whatap left for Paxton. Every man who dresses has a chance to play.”
Big day for Bowlen? The Pro Football Hall of Fame Contributors’ Committee will announce their two Class of 2019 nominees on Thursday and Broncos owner is among the candidates.
The contributor nominees will automatically become finalists when the full selection committee meets Feb. 2 in Atlanta (day before the ).
“(There is) obviously a buzz (about it) and he’s obviously earned the honor so hopefully he gets it,” Joseph said.
Leary misses practice. Left guard did not go through Wednesday’s practice because of what Joseph said was an issue with the “same knee,” that was repaired during the offseason. He is a game-time decision for Friday.
“He’s getting better but we’re being smart for the long haul,” Joseph said.
Leary previously missed practice time and the Minnesota preseason game with an ankle injury.
, the starting left guard in 2016-17, will start if Leary can’t play.
“Max has been a starter around here so I’m not surprised he’s playing good football,” Joseph said. “His pass (protection) has gotten a lot better from last year to this year and thatap upped his game a lot. In the run game, he’s always been a really good run blocker.”
Garcia is carving out a roster spot for himself after starting camp on the bubble because of his play but also Leary’s health.
Joseph ruled out six players for the Redskins game: Tight end (knee), cornerback Marcus Rios (leg), safety Su’a Cravens (knee), center Sam Jones (back) and guards Andreas Knappe (concussion) and J.J. Dielman (knee). None practiced this week.
Footnotes. This week is the first of four East Coast trips for the Broncos (at Baltimore, the and Cincinnati in the regular season). The Broncos traveled Friday last year for East Coast games, but Joseph’s initial lean is to leave Saturday this year. “Our players just felt more comfortable going on Saturday,” Joseph said. … Joseph said “nothing yet,” in terms of an update on receiver , who is on the reserve-did not report list but met with general manager on Tuesday.
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