Broncos QB Drew Lock likely to start vs. Patriots; RB Melvin Gordon questionable with illness

While Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock looks ready to return to action for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots, running back Melvin Gordon continues to go through a week he'd probably prefer to forget. 

Denver coach Vic Fangio told reporters that Lock is "trending the right way" to start under center versus New England. Lock suffered a shoulder injury during the Week 2 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and hasn't played since. Jeff Driskel and Brett Rypien played during Lock's absence. 

"They took away the probable category, so the only choices are questionable … or nothing," Fangio explained about his QB's availability. "So we're choosing questionable."

Gordon, who was cited late Tuesday night for driving under the influence and speeding, is currently dealing with an illness that has him questionable. Fangio said of Gordon:

"He's come down with an illness today that was totally unrelated to COVID [and] totally unrelated to his situation on Tuesday night. The doctors are in complete control; … they've diagnosed it. It's nothing too serious. Until we get the report on that where he's at tomorrow in regards to that, that will have a major impact on our decision."

On Thursday, NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills said that players, coaches, and other league personnel who report symptoms typical of COVID-19 infections must isolate even if their latest test produced a negative result. Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman will move up the depth chart, in that order, if Gordon can't play against the Patriots. 

Additionally, Denver tight end Noah Fant is questionable because of an ankle injury. Nose tackle Mike Purcell is dealing with a bad knee and is also listed as questionable.