Broncos begin training camp with three-QB rotation

Zach Wilson is still in the running.

Despite not making a first-team appearance during last month’s minicamp, the former No. 2 pick of the New York Jets remains in the Denver Broncos’ quarterback derby. Sean Payton said Tuesday that the competition remains open between Wilson, returning passer Jarrett Stidham and No. 12 overall pick Bo Nix.

But the three-quarterback rotation likely won’t last long through training camp.

“Yes, we are going to change it again, but of course it won’t stay that way in the long term,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said at a press conference before the camp opens on Tuesday. “But as we start, we’ll keep you updated and eventually we’ll find the routine we want.”

Payton declined to say whether he would immediately select a starting quarterback from the three-man rotation or whether he would narrow the battle to two quarterbacks and then select one to start.

“We will keep you informed,” Payton saidwhere a question on the topic was cut off when it was asked.

“I’m not going to sit here and say, this is how it’s going to go, because I think the mistake that’s been made is deciding how it’s going to go. Organically, this — my experience — I think we’re going to see a rotation first and then we’ll move on.”

Last month, Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham split reps during the two-day minicamp. During the three weeks of organized, on-field team activities leading up to minicamp, Nix, Stidham and Zach Wilson rotated between the first, second and third units on a daily basis.

Later in the press conference, Payton was asked about the idea of ​​getting to know the quarterbacks he has — particularly with two quarterbacks new to the system, Nix and Wilson — and evaluating them based on which one would offer the best chance to beat Seattle in Week 1.

“Well, I don’t think you find the balance between finding the guy who beats Seattle. I don’t think that makes sense,” Payton said. “I think we’re looking for the guy who beats Seattle and we’re going to find that player.

“How do I balance the day? How do I balance the schedule? How do I balance the repetitions? That’s all part of what we do in terms of teaching and the progression of teaching. I think the same thing exists.

“Look, the main goal is to find the right 53 players here for our team. There’s definitely a lot of focus on the quarterback position because there’s open competition there.

“But I don’t see it as finding the balance.”

Currently, Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson are all still in contention to receive the first snap on September 8.

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