ENGLEWOOD, Colo.— Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco, who ripped Denver's coaches for their play-calling in their last-minute loss at Indianapolis, won't play next week because of a herniated disk in his neck.
Coach Vic Fangio said backup, former Arkansas Razorback, Brandon Allen will start Sunday when the Broncos (2-6) host the Cleveland Browns (2-5). Fangio said he'll decide this week between two rookies as the backup: second-round draft pick Drew Lock, who is on IR with a right thumb injury, or undrafted QB Brett Rypien, who is on the practice squad.
Just last week, the Broncos were talking about slow-rolling Lock's return to practice, which would trigger a two-week window in which they'd have to activate him or have him sit out the remainder of the season.