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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jon Heath

Broncos’ backup QB competition close going into preseason

The Denver Broncos have a quarterback competition!

OK, it’s not for the starting job, but the backup QB is still an important role.

Russell Wilson is the team’s obvious locked-in starter, with Josh Johnson and Brett Rypien competing for the QB2 job this summer. Through two weeks of training camp, neither QB has pulled ahead in the competition.

“Both of those guys are doing a fine job,” coach Nathaniel Hackett said on Thursday. “I don’t think anything is solidified. It’s about competition right there. ‘Ryp’ has great days. Josh does great things. Josh, by himself, has game experience. I think he’s as old as me.

“He’s just a great guy to have in the room either way. That’s what you’re looking for in that position — someone that can support ‘Russ,’ support all of us, and not have to practice a ton. He’s seen so much so he can go into the game at any time and play.”

Johnson is 36, six years younger than Hackett, but the coach wasn’t joking about the QB’s experience. He’s started nine games for three different teams in his career. Rypien is 10 years younger. He has one start on his resume, a win over the New York Jets in 2020.

The two QBs will get an opportunity to create some separation in the QB battle once preseason begins next week (view the schedule).

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