ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Second-year quarterback Chad Kelly will start the Broncos' game on Thursday against the Cardinals, Head Coach Vance Joseph said Monday.

Third-string quarterback Paxton Lynch is slotted to play the second half.

"Chad will start the game on Thursday, and hopefully they'll play half and half," Joseph said. "That's the game plan going into the game."

Kelly has compiled a strong preseason as the Broncos' backup quarterback, a role he assumed after Week 1 of the preseason.

The Mississippi product has completed 28-of-41 passes for 340 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Kelly has posted a 107.8 quarterback rating across those three games.

In his latest performance, Kelly went 7-of-11 for 73 yards against the Washington Redskins.

While starting quarterback Case Keenum will be among at least 22 Broncos players who won't play on Thursday, Joseph said his focus will remain on the Arizona Cardinals.

"It's a different week for Case, obviously, because he won't play in the football game," Joseph said. "We play this team again in Week 7, so for Case, this is a head start on an opponent that he'll see in a month and a half. He's focused on Arizona. He's focused on helping Chad and Paxton put their best foot forward."