Fangio: Kaepernick's 'name hasn't come' to replace Lock

Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) was injured against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Vic Fangio: Colin Kaepernick's 'name hasn't come up' as replacement for injured Drew Lock

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/21/20

The Denver Broncos lost starting quarterback Drew Lock to a shoulder injury in Saturday's Week 2 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lock will reportedly miss at least the next two games with a rotator cuff strain, and the team likely will have to consider looking at free-agent quarterbacks.

Colin Kaepernick, who hasn't played an NFL game since 2016, isn't being considered as a replacement for Lock as of now, Broncos head coach Vic Fangio said.

Broncos head coach Vic Fangio was asked about possibly considering Colin Kaepernick after Drew Lock's injury, "His name hasn't come up in the brief discussions I've had with John [Elway] to this point."

Fangio was the DC during part of Kaepernick's time in San Francisco.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 21, 2020

No one has given the 32-year-old a shot. Kaepernick did attempt a comeback with a workout in Atlanta last November, but it resulted in no offers being sent to the quarterback.

For now, it seems like Jeff Driskel could move forward as Denver's starter with Brett Rypien as the backup. Driskel was signed during free agency to back up Lock this season, and he played decently well against the Steelers on Sunday. The 27-year-old completed 18-of-34 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns against one interception in the win.

Rypien, who spent much of last season on Denver's practice squad, is expected to be activated to the 53-man roster this week unless the Broncos bring in someone better to back up Driskel. Paxton Lynch, who currently is a free agent and is a former member of the Broncos, could potentially be an option for Denver, though it's not likely.

More must-reads: