Broncos starting quarterback Joe Flacco has been placed on injured reserve with a neck injury, which means Brandon Allen will start against the Browns in Week 9. Denver promoted undrafted rookie Brett Rypien from the practice squad to serve as Allen’s backup this week.
Broncos offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello praised Rypien for his QB smarts on Thursday and emphasized that the team has faith in the rookie as a backup quarterback.
“Just like all these guys — to play in this system — these guys, one of the things you love about them all is that they’re sharp, they’re on it and they’re meticulous,” Scangarell said. “As young guys, they are learning that, and I think Brett had a lot of experience in college.
“When you get thrown in your first time, you never know how you’re going to react. But we trust him, he’s done a great job since he’s been here, and we’re excited to see what he can do as well.”
Rypien (6-2, 210 pounds) signed with Denver as a college free agent after winning MWC Offensive Player of the Year honors as a senior at Boise State in 2018. He threw for 13,581 yards with 90 touchdown passes against 29 interceptions during his four years at the school.
Brett is the nephew of former NFL quarterback Mark Rypien, who won two Super Bowls during his time with the Washington Redskins.
