ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian had a “positive day" in Thursday’s practice, and if the team likes what it sees in Siemian when he arrives to work Friday morning in the aftermath of that practice, Siemian would be on track to play Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.
Siemian, who did not practice last week or play Sunday in the Broncos’ 20-10 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars because of a left foot injury, took about half the snaps with the starting offense in Thursday’s practice. It was the first time Siemian had taken part in a full practice using the orthotics in his shoes that he was fitted for last week to help his recovery from the injury.
The Broncos (8-4) practiced indoors on artificial turf because of the weather in the Denver area, so Siemian may have taken more of the work if the Broncos had practiced on their outdoor grass fields.
“It was a positive day," Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said. “So we’ll see where we’re at (Friday), but what we asked him to do, he was able to do. We’ll see how he comes out of the practice. ... It was very encouraging; we’re where we thought we would be (Thursday)."
The Broncos have four games remaining in the regular season and face the most difficult finishing stretch in the league as their remaining opponents had a .729 winning percentage heading into Thursday night's Chiefs-Raiders game. The Broncos would like Siemian in the lineup since he threw for 368 yards and three touchdowns in his last start -- the overtime loss to the Chiefs.
The Broncos are 7-3 in his 10 starts this season. Rookie Paxton Lynch started in Siemian's place in Jacksonville on Sunday and finished 12-of-24 passing for 104 yards in the win.
Running back Justin Forsett, whom the Broncos claimed off waivers earlier this week, has shown a good understanding of the offense and will play against the Titans on Sunday.
“He knows exactly what’s going on -- think he’ll be able to help us this weekend," Kubiak said.
Kubiak said Forsett would spell rookie Devontae Booker at times against the Titans. Linebacker Brandon Marshall, who is fifth on the team in tackles, did not practice for the second consecutive day because of a hamstring injury.
Unless Marshall shows significant improvement into the weekend, he isn’t expected to play against the Titans, and Corey Nelson would line up in that spot in the base defense.
Long-snapper Casey Kreiter (calf) did not practice Thursday so the Broncos continue to carry two long-snappers on the roster: Kreiter and Thomas Gafford.
