ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — After suffering a right shoulder injury in Week 2 against the Steelers, Drew Lock could make his return to the field in Week 5 against the Patriots.
Head Coach Vic Fangio said Friday that Lock is "50-50" to play when the Broncos travel to Foxborough.
"I'm being totally honest with that statement," Fangio said. "We'll see how he progresses here by Tuesday, by Wednesday and see where he's at."
Fangio said Lock has not yet thrown a regulation football since suffering the injury, but he has thrown some lighter-weight balls. He has not practiced since suffering the injury on Sept. 20.
The Broncos' head coach will not re-insert Lock into the lineup unless he's able to play without compromising his health or throwing motion.
"I just need to see a healthy quarterback," Fangio said. "I'm not going to put him out there unless he's healthy and can throw without hesitation, without altering his delivery and he's very confident and healthy [enough] that he can go out there and play [like] normal."
If Lock cannot play in New England, Fangio said Brett Rypien will start again for the Broncos. Rypien finished 19-of-31 for 242 yards, two touchdowns, three interceptions and the win.
"I thought Brett's play was good in light of everything," Fangio said. "I was surprised with the interceptions, particularly the first one. That was a bad decision on his part to even try to fit that ball in there. There was nowhere for it to be fit. I'm surprised he made that decision.
"But I also loved some of the throws he made — down the field, the touchdown pass to Tim [Patrick], managed the operation good. We went from giving up [13] sacks in the two previous games to none, and he definitely played a part in that. Overall, very pleased with his play. Not pleased with three interceptions obviously.
"If he has to play this coming week in New England, I think he'll be even better for it."
Fangio did not disclose whether Jeff Driskel or Blake Bortles would back up Rypien in New England if Lock cannot play. He said the team's backup quarterback position will "play itself out" over the next few weeks depending on Lock's availability.
