After much speculation and anticipation, the Denver Broncos have activated rookie quarterback Drew Lock from the injured reserve, the team announced. He is eligible to play on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. In a corresponding move, they waived rookie Brett Rypien.
We’ve activated QB Drew Lock off injured reserve.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 30, 2019
Lock has been on the injured reserve since suffering a thumb injury against the San Francisco 49ers in the preseason. He began practicing with the team prior to their Week 11 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
A second-round selection out of Missouri, many pegged Lock to be a first-round talent heading into the 2019 NFL Draft. The Broncos were elated to find him slipping to the second round. With the team struggling to gain offensive momentum, they ramped up his practice reps. Head coach Vic Fangio likes the progress made from the rookie.
“Good,” Fangio said on Friday when asked about how Lock performed throughout the week of practice, via the team's official website. “I think he’s made progress each and every day. When you go from getting basically 10 out of 40 or 42 reps to getting 32 out of 42 [reps] three days in a row, you should get a little better and feel a little more comfortable. I think he has.”
Prior to the draft, Lock earned his fair share of fans for his strong arm. In his four seasons at Mizzou — three as a full-time starter — he tallied 12,193 yards, 99 touchdowns and 39 interceptions passing on a 56.9% completion rate.
If Lock starts on Sunday, he will be the Broncos' third starter of the season, with Joe Flacco (now on injured reserve) and Brandon Allen being the other two.
Follow Us
Subscribe