Drew Lock Injury Update: Will Broncos QB Return This Season?

The Denver Broncos are 0-2 but they finally have some bright news in 2019.

As it quickly appears the Broncos are heading towards their fourth straight non-playoff season, they have a glimmer of hope that may be on his way. That would be because second-round draft pick and future franchise quarterback Drew Lock is on his way back from the thumb injury that has sidelined him since the preseason.

According to Ryan Koenigsberg of BSN Denver, Lock is expected to resume throwing the football next week. With Lock on injured reserve, he can return to practice in Week 7 and be eligible to make his NFL debut in Week 9 against the Cleveland Browns at home.

Despite acquiring former Super Bowl champion Joe Flacco in the offseason, the Broncos don’t appear to be improved at all from recent seasons. Their offense is sputtering and inconsistent — as has been the case since Peyton Manning‘s retirement.

The Broncos are averaging just 15 points per game, 28th in the NFL. Making matters even worse is that the offensive unit seems to give up sacks when the team is in position to score. The same applies in regard to penalties, which absolutely kills offensive drives.

Why Drew Lock Should Start Over Joe Flacco

Although Lock wouldn’t make the Broncos contenders, he would give purpose to what is quickly becoming a pointless season. Considering Lock is mobile and can run out of the pocket — something that the 34-year-old Flacco is not capable of doing — he would bring another dimension to an offensive line that simply cannot block.

Prior to his thumb injury in the Broncos’ third preseason game, Lock had established his hold on the backup quarterback job. The 22-year-old went an impressive 31-of-51 (60.8 percent) for 254 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also carried the ball six times for 28 yards.

Flacco will have the job for the time being, no matter how bad he is. Denver’s current backup is Brandon Allen, who was cut by the Los Angeles Rams in the preseason. Allen has never taken a snap during his NFL career.

However, if the Broncos keep trending towards losses and the offense continues to be stagnant, there is little doubt that Lock should take over the starting job when he comes off of injured reserve in Week 9.

Broncos Sticking with Garett Boles at Left Tackle

Despite committing four holding calls in the Broncos’ most recent loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 2, Garett Boles will remain the team’s starting left tackle moving forward.

Boles, a first-round draft selection back in 2017, has now been flagged 26 times for holding in just 34 career games. He leads the NFL in penalties committed by an offensive lineman since the start of the 2018 season.

Despite his penchant for holding, Boles isn’t doubting himself and vows to rebound, via Kyle Frederickson of The Denver Post.

“It’s frustrating. I’ve built a reputation for myself in this league of holding. And you know, I disagree with it, to be honest,” Bolles said. “There are some calls I disagree with and there some things I understand. I have to go back and watch the film to see what I can do. But I have the best O-Line coach in the National Football League with coach (Mike) Munchak. I’m grateful for him. I know he’s going to get me on the right path.

“I know my teammates believe in me. I know my coaches believe in me. I know the front office believes in me. I’m going to turn this around. I promise you all that. I promise Broncos Country that. I promise my teammates that. It’s just unfortunate that they keep coming after me.”

For the sake of winning, the Broncos sure hope he can rebound too.

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