ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — As the Broncos continue to evaluate whether Drew Lock will be able to start at quarterback against the Patriots, Head Coach Vic Fangio said the decision will be based off more than just his ability to throw the football.

"I think besides just the throwing, which is the obvious evaluator to whether he's able to play or not, you also have to know whether he's capable both physically and mentally to take a hit or go to the ground," Fangio said. "That's how he got hurt initially, going to the ground with his shoulder into the ground. The throwing is one thing, but can his shoulder take another hit whether it be a direct hit from a player or going to the ground when he's getting hit? So, that's part of the equation too."

The Broncos, of course, will not allow Lock to be hit during practice, so that decision will require some projection. Lock participated on a limited basis for the second consecutive day, but Fangio said before practice he expected Lock to do more than he did on Wednesday.

"He's got to be more of a participant than he was yesterday," Fangio said. "Yesterday he did some individual drills and some throwing on the side. We're going to try to get him to do more today and we'll keep judging it from day to day."

The statuses outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu (quad) and nose tackle Mike Purcell (knee) are also in doubt for this week's game. Both players missed a third consecutive day of practice and will be considered questionable. 

"Hopefully we can make some improvement here in the next 24 to 48 hours for the both of them," Fangio said.

Noah Fant (ankle) and KJ Hamler (hamstring) also did not practice. Fangio previously ruled Hamler out and said Fant is a long shot to play this week.

Cornerback Davontae Harris (hamstring) improved to a full participant, while the Broncos added LeVante Bellamy and Joe Jones to the report as limited participants with knee injuries.