The Broncos are benching Russell Wilson in favor of Jarrett Stidham.
Head coach Sean Payton confirmed Wednesday that Stidham is in line to start this weekend for the Broncos, whose playoff odds decreased dramatically after a loss to the New England Patriots on Christmas Eve.
The immediate implication is clear: Payton is taking one of the league’s highest profile quarterbacks off the field in a move he said was his decision.
The longer-term ramifications — namely, whether this is the end for Wilson in Denver — will have to wait even if Wednesday’s seismic happenings could easily be interpreted as writing on the wall.