Nathaniel Hackett dodged questions concerning Russell Wilson's injured hamstring during a Thursday news conference.
#BroncosCountry LIVE: Coach Hackett meets the media before Thursday’s practice https://t.co/lhsNJQDos5
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 20, 2022
The Broncos first-year head coach declined to note if Wilson or backup quarterbacks Brett Rypien and Josh Johnson took the majority of reps with starters during Wednesday's practice.
The only clue Hackett gave was saying, "Mentally they're all getting ready."
He added Wilson would be limited again in Thursday's practice, meaning his status is murky for Sunday's matchup against the Jets.
Wilson's trying to quickly recover from the injury, but he didn't confirm if he's ready to start.
"I'm hoping (to play). I'm doing everything I can to get ready to roll," Wilson said in a Wednesday news conference.
The decision comes down to Hackett, who added he will talk to his star quarterback and medical staff before determining whether Wilson sits or starts.
If Wilson doesn't play, the Broncos will turn to Rypien. According to longtime Broncos reporter Mike Klis, Rypien received the most snaps in Wednesday's practice.
“Per sources, Brett Rypien took most of walkthrough reps yesterday. Doesn’t mean Russell Wilson (hamstring) won’t start Sunday vs Jets. Would mean they’re getting Rypien ready in case Wilson can’t go. Rypien has one NFL start — vs. Jets, a win, in 2020. #9sports”
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) October 20, 2022
Rypien's lone career start, against the Jets ironically, was a victory. However, that was two years ago, and he hasn't started a game since.
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