Broncos hope Drew Lock will start vs. Patriots after returning to practice

Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock returned to practice and the team is hoping the young quarterback will be able to play vs. the New England Patriots.

Drew Lock suffered a right shoulder injury in Week 2, but the Denver Broncos did not place him on IR with the idea he might be able to return in less than the minimum three weeks. According to James Palmer of NFL Network, Lock will practice again on Thursday and he could play Sunday against the New England Patriots.

Palmer added that Lock did individual work in his return to practice on Wednesday, and he’d possibly do more on Thursday. His comfort level and being able to protect himself are the (obvious) key components. Palmer further pointed out the prospect of Sunday’s game being delayed a day or two, due to a positive COVID-19 test for Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore, would not change the Broncos thoughts on Lock’s playing status.

Jeff Driskel started Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Lock’s place, before being replaced by Brett Rypien late in that game. Rypien then made his first NFL start in Week 4 against the New York Jets on a short week, with the expected good (242 yards, two touchdowns) and bad (three interceptions) as the Broncos got their first win of the season.

Is starting Drew Lock on Sunday worth the risk?

Lock was considered “50-50” to return in Week 5 late last week, and his return to practice points to a looming return to action. But if his throwing shoulder is not quite fully healed, three weeks out from the injury, the risk of putting him out there in that condition is not worth the risk in a game the Broncos aren’t expected to win in Foxboro. If they fall to 1-4, there should be no rush to put Lock back on the field until he’s unquestionably 100 percent.