Trevor Siemian will start Broncos’ first preseason game

The Broncos have laid out their quarterback plan for the first two preseason games.

Broncos third-year quarterback Trevor Siemian will start in Denver’s preseason opener against the Bears on Thursday, Aug. 10. Coach Vance Joseph confirmed after practice Monday that Siemian will be starting.

This does not mean Siemian has won the starting job. Both Joseph and general manager John Elway have said that the starting quarterback will be decided during preseason. It is a good sign for Siemian, though, that he’s getting the first nod with the first-string offense in live action.

Siemian is competing with second-year quarterback Paxton Lynch, the team’s first-round pick in last year’s NFL draft.

Siemian and Lynch are listed as co-starters on the first depth chart.

The Broncos were one of the league’s worst teams in 2016 at converting third downs and converting in the red zone. That will be the top area of focus for Siemian and the Broncos’ offense in the preseason opener — can they show that they’ve improved upon last season’s disastrous results?

This will be a great chance for Siemian to make his impression on the coaching staff and front office, and make his case to be the Broncos’ starter.