Denver Broncos rookie Drew Lock could reportedly land on injured reserve

When Drew Lock was selected with the No. 42 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Missouri Tigers quarterback arrived with a conceivable path to a starting job in his rookie season. The Denver Broncos did bring in Joe Flacco as an established veteran option but, considering the well-documented struggles of the former Super Bowl MVP and Lock's position as a player with tangible upside, a full-fledged competition appeared to be in the offing. However, Lock suffered a right thumb injury during this week's preseason loss to the San Francisco 49ers and, as of Thursday, there was real doubt about the first-year quarterback's projected timeline for return. 

Jeff Legwold of ESPN brings word that Lock could open the season on injured reserve. 

"Yeah, it could be if we don't think he can play for a while," said Broncos head coach Vic Fangio of that possible outcome. "The bad thing about it is because of the injury he can't do much.''

Lock's injury is currently diagnosed as a "severely sprained right thumb" and Fangio referred to the ailment as "a pretty serious injury for a quarterback." While Lock remains upbeat, this injury further anoints Flacco with early-season responsibilities as the starter (an outcome widely expected at this point) and, considering the potential for a lengthy absence, it is possible that Denver could simply redshirt Lock in favor of activating another player to make full use of the team's roster. 

If Lock is unable to join the regular season roster, the Broncos would have Kevin Hogan and Brett Rypien as potential options behind Flacco, though neither would be expected to challenge the incumbent in any serious way. Denver remains in a transition phase to some degree and that is evidenced by 80-1 odds to win the upcoming Super Bowl. Lock is a big part of that effort, though, and it's not ideal that he might have a delayed arrival.