Payton to reveal quarterback rotation on Thursday

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (KDVR) — Sorry, Broncos Country. Head coach Sean Payton is not showing his hand just yet as to who will play — and when — at the preseason opener Sunday in Indianapolis.

After 13 practices in 15 days, Payton was pleased with his team’s performance on Wednesday, a day after saying the Broncos “hit a wall” looking back on the previous day’s work.

“They are grinding on the learning process,” Payton noted as he put everyone in a “tizzy” reacting to the initial, unofficial depth chart . Written in pencil and put together in haste, the depth chart pointed toward the importance of competition, specifically targeted toward the young players on the Broncos roster. Not one rookie player was listed two-deep in any positional rotation.

“Couldn’t care less,” quarterback Bo Nix said with a smile when asked about being ranked behind veterans Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson.

On the field, Nix continued the learning process, taking first-team reps on Wednesday.

“I think the game is starting to slow down a little bit,” Nix said. “I’m starting to feel very comfortable with the base install (of the offense), and there’s a lot more plays that I’m more comfortable with than not.”

Stidham, the veteran quarterback on the field, understands that competition will bring out the best in everyone.

“My goal is to go out there and execute on the highest level. Competition is really healthy and it’s bringing out the best in everybody,” Stidham said.

Extra Points

• Payton did not give an update on cornerback Levi Wallace and safety Brandon Jones. Both are out with hamstring injuries.
• Stidham made it very clear after Tuesday’s practice that Nix will not get off easy on their rookie dinner outing: “I will be getting a very nice bottle of wine that he will be paying for.”
• Edge rusher Jonathon Cooper continued to impress the coaching staff. Singlehandedly, the four-year linebacker wrecked one team period against the first-team offense: sack, and two high presser situations.
• The Broncos announced that half-price tickets will go on sale Thursday at 10 a.m. for home games this season at Empower Field at Mile High.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.