BRONCOS HALL OF FAME GAME STARTER HOGAN
Rookie QB Lock will come off bench vs. Falcons in Hall of Fame Game
The Broncos’ backup quarterback battle gained some initial clarity Monday when coach Vic Fangio announced after practice that Kevin Hogan will start in Thursday night’s Pro Football Hall of Fame game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Hogan, listed as second-team on the initial depth chart, began camp with the second unit and has maintained
an edge over rookie secondround pick Drew Lock. Starting quarterback Joe Flacco will not play against Atlanta in the game in Canton, Ohio.
“We’re going to go with Kevin to begin with, and then Drew is going to follow him, and then (Brett Rypien) is going to follow him,” Fangio said.
Hogan will see his first action in a Broncos uniform since he was acquired via waivers from Washington after the 2018 preseason. He was the No. 3 quarterback until Chad Kelly was released in October following his arrest. Hogan spent the remainder of the year as Case Keenum’s backup but did not play a snap.
Hogan was 43-of-67 passing for 462 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions for the Washington Redskins last preseason. The expectations for his Denver debut?
“Just play good,” Fangio said. “Throw the ball where it’s supposed to go, be good with your checks and be efficient.”
Hogan’s selection as QB1 on Thursday shouldn’t be interpreted as a major development, though, as the staff continues to track the progress of its entire quarterbacks group through completion of training camp. Hogan entered the Denver locker room after practice Monday before reporters were alerted he would start, and Hogan was not immediately available for an interview.
Meanwhile, Fangio said Lock has been “doing well” with some of his best work in 7-on-7 drills coming this week.
“You need to see that progress in 11-on-11 and then ultimately in games,” Fangio said, “but he’s getting better.”
Fangio added that most starters will not play Thursday outside of “some workouts” and a likely pregame conditioning test in Canton, providing those resting four consecutive days without a padded practice. Players are off Friday, and a previously scheduled Saturday practice will be replaced with meeting and weightlifting sessions.
“Just some extra recovery time,” Fangio said.