Bo Nix's increased reps with starting offense could signal decision about Broncos' starting QB

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton still hasn't named a starting quarterback, but rookie Bo Nix clinching the job almost feels inevitable.

Nix is scheduled to make his first preseason start against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, so the 24-year-old has received most of the reps with the first-team offense in practice.

"It kind of falls in line with what we've been doing all camp," Payton said Wednesday, via Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post. "Last week, [QB Jarrett Stidham] got the week's worth of 1s, so following that same process. All three of these guys are going to get a ton of work vs. Green Bay."

Still, giving Nix more reps with the first-team offense could signal the Broncos are preparing him to be the starting QB.

"Bo Nix was the guy that Sean Payton was after the whole time," ESPN's Adam Schefter said Monday on "NFL Live." "Sean Payton was mesmerized by his skillset, and this was a guy that essentially the Broncos were hoping was going to get to them. They considered even trading up [in the NFL Draft] to secure his services. And because of all those factors, it always felt like it was going to be Bo Nix's job to lose this summer."

Nix probably gained a bigger lead after a strong preseason debut against the Indianapolis Colts. In a 34-30 win, he led the Broncos on four scoring drives, completing 15-of-21 passes for 125 yards and one touchdown. He also posted a solid 102.3 passer rating.

The No. 12 overall pick is clearly showcasing some of the potential Payton saw during the draft process. Having Nix work with the starters seems like a smart idea, as it should build his confidence.