ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — As the Broncos approach their Week 13 game against the Chargers, Head Coach Vic Fangio said "all options are on the table" for rookie quarterback Drew Lock.
Lock, who was placed on injured reserve in September, could remain on injured reserve this weekend, be activated to the 53-man roster to serve as the team's backup quarterback or possibly even start his first career game.
Fangio said the Broncos would make a decision on Lock "here in the next few days." The Broncos' head coach did not provide a specific time frame for when he would name a starting quarterback for this weekend.
Brandon Allen started against the Bills — his third start of the season — and finished 10-for-25 for 82 yards, an interception and a 32.4 quarterback rating.
Lock has not played in a game since he suffered a thumb injury against the 49ers on Aug. 19. He completed 31-of-51 passes for 254 yards, one touchdown and an interception in preseason action. Lock completed 60.8 percent of his passes in the three games in which he played.
"Just see some more practice, but really the practices now this time of year are limited," said Fangio when asked what he'd need to see from Lock for the rookie to start Sunday. "You're talking like 40 [practice] plays a day — just to make sure he's OK physically, which he is, and he's prepared physically and emotionally to go out there and play."
Fangio cited "lost time and preparation" when asked why Lock may not play this weekend against the Chargers.
The Broncos' head coach has seen, however, a "little bit of a jump in comfortability" since Lock's first training camp.
"I think he learned a lot from the sideline about how to handle certain things — handle the huddle, calling the plays," Fangio said. "I do think he got a better understanding, albeit from the sideline."
The Broncos will weigh the Chargers' talented pass-rushing duo and the opportunity for Lock to make his first start at home as they try to make a decision.
"It's something you consider, but I don't think it's the ultimate decider," Fangio said. "Eventually, you've got to play a road game."
If Lock does start, Fangio said the Broncos would tailor the playbook to fit his skill set.
"Yeah, you always have to do that any time you go in with a new player, particularly a quarterback," Fangio said.
The Broncos, though, will not allow public pressure to impact their decision on whether to activate Lock and possibly start him against Los Angeles.
"I think we need to make the decision that we feel is best," Fangio said. "[I understand] everybody's wants from your group [of media members] and the group outside, but we need to make the decision that we feel is best for Drew and the team. At that time, we will."
