The Denver Broncos released their initial “unofficial” depth chart earlier this week and it listed, in order: Jarrett Stidham, Zach Wilson and Bo Nix.
Nix, despite being a first-round pick and getting first-team reps at training camp, has to start at the back of the line on paper. The rookie said he “couldn’t care less” when asked about being listed as QB3 earlier this week.
Nix is focused on performing against the Indianapolis Colts, not a piece of paper that the Broncos are required by the NFL to submit before preseason begins.
“I’m excited,” Nix said of making his (preseason) NFL debut on Sunday. “I’m excited to get out there and play against another defense, and just go out there and execute.”
Meanwhile, Wilson is listed as the No. 2 QB on the depth chart, but he’s been getting third-team reps at practice. The 25-year-old quarterback was asked about his third-string status after Wednesday’s practice.
“I think when you really sit down and think about it, I have no control over that,” Wilson said. “I think the worst you can do is let it affect you. The best you can do is say, ‘O.K., I’m going to take what I’ve got and go out there and do the best I can. Put my best foot forward and try my best and try to help this team be the best it can. Try to get down the field and complete some passes.’ I think that’s all you have to worry about.”
Stidham, the veteran incumbent, is looking to fend off the competition.
“For me, it’s about competing and executing at the highest level and scoring points,” Stidham said. “Whether that’s whatever position I’m in at that point, whatever year I’ve been in at this point, that’s been the mindset every time I went go there to go play. So nothing’s new.”
The three quarterbacks will get their first live game reps of the summer when the Broncos take on the Colts in Week 1 of preseason. That game will be nationally televised on NFL Network on Sunday.
