CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- Trevor Siemian participated in his first practice since spraining his left foot 10 days ago against Kansas City. However, it was only a walk through, leaving Thursday a bigger hurdle to clear to help determine if he will start Sunday at Tennessee.
"I am feeling better. I feel like I have gotten better everyday," Siemian said. "Fingers crossed moving forward."
Siemian wants to return. And a strong case can be be made his presence is necessary to beat the surging Titans after Pro Football Focus graded Paxton Lynch as the league's worst offensive player last week. Siemian continues to balance his health with potential effectiveness. Just making it to Sunday isn't enough with the season, in some ways, hanging in the balance.
"You want to play well, but you want to play well," said Siemian, who has orthotics in his left shoe.
Siemian indicated he has a different injury than Peyton Manning, who missed seven starts with a plantar fascia issue in his right foot last season.
In creates an interesting question: Is Siemian at 75 percent better than a raw Lynch at 100 percent? Siemian learned from his left shoulder injury how to deal with pain and perform. But the Broncos want the Siemian who dazzled in the second half against the Chiefs. Looking healthy for the first time in two months, the former seventh-round pick scrambled with purpose and extended plays with his feet. Can he do that if his left foot is compromised?
These are the issues facing the Broncos as they evaluate Siemian on Thursday and Friday. Coach Gary Kubiak indicated he's preparing Lynch and Siemian to face Tennessee.
"Trevor did everything we asked him to do today. He threw," Kubiak said.
If Lynch plays, look for the offense to expand slightly as he grows more comfortable. Offensive coordinator Rick Dennison praised Lynch's study habits, saying he showed he was ready in Saturday night's meeting. However, as the play sheet expanded in the game, Lynch struggled.
"He's progressed in certain areas and continues to work hard," Dennison said.
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