Drew Lock is returning to practice on limited basis for Patriots week

Drew Lock will return to practice on a limited basis for Patriots week.

The Denver Broncos have been wrecked by injuries in the 2020 season, and obviously one of the back-breaking losses was the loss of quarterback Drew Lock.

Lock, trying to prevent himself from hitting the ground face-first, braced his fall with his throwing arm and was hammered from behind by Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher Bud Dupree.

The decision to try to break his fall resulted in a shoulder injury that has caused Lock to miss the past two games for the Broncos, started by Jeff Driskel and Brett Rypien respectively. Driskel was able to lead the Broncos against the Pittsburgh Steelers to a near comeback win, but was not good at all against the Buccaneers.

The Broncos felt their best option was to go with Brett Rypien against the New York Jets on a short week, and he helped lead them to their first win of the season.

It was rumored on Tuesday that Lock had been throwing the ball outside of practice, but he was a DNP (did not participate) in Tuesday’s session for the team.

On Wednesday, however, Lock will be listed as “LIMITED” according to head coach Vic Fangio.

There was hope initially that Lock would not miss three games even though his injury was classified as a ‘3-5’ week timetable for recovery.

If Lock is able to play against the New England Patriots in week five, it would obviously represent the best case scenario from his initial diagnosis.

It’s important to note that the Denver Broncos are not telegraphing or assuming anything based on the fact that Lock will practice on a limited basis and be monitored very closely in doing so.

The team made Brett Rypien available to the media on Wednesday, a slot usually reserved for the presumed starting quarterback for the upcoming game.

With that said, if Lock progresses well starting on Wednesday and feels good, he’s the guy the Broncos need out on the field without question. There’s no need to risk his long-term health if he doesn’t feel 100 percent, but if Lock is ready to practice, you have to wonder if he’s telling the coaches he’s ready to play.

Fangio mentioned the Broncos will keep an eye on how Lock feels waking up tomorrow after throwing today, but this is a very positive sign for the Broncos and their young QB.