ENGLEWOOD -- This may or may not be it for Paxton Lynch.
If the Broncos keep two quarterbacks for their 53-man roster Saturday, he’s gone.
If they add a veteran quarterback, he’s gone.
If they keep three quarterbacks and don’t add a veteran, he stays.
His preference is to stay.
“Absolutely,’’ he said. “I love it here. I’ve said that since Day 1 I want to be the guy here. But I’ve got to do some things. I’ve struggled. I haven’t played well at times and there’s been some times where I have played well. I just have to find that consistency of confidently playing well and I think I know I can get there.’’
Chad Kelly, who is currently the No. 2 quarterback behind Case Keenum, will play the first half at Arizona on Thursday in the fourth and final preseason game (Channel 20 with pregame show at 7 p.m., kickoff at 8 p.m.) If Kelly plays OK, he will likely wear the headsets in the season opener against Seattle that is 12 days away.
“I get to go out there … and prove myself,’’ Kelly said. “I think a lot of those guys in that locker room know this is the last preseason game. We have a lot to prove and guys are fighting. Guys are fighting to not only be on this team, but other teams as well. This is the last interview you have before the regular season starts and they break it down to 53 men.”
Lynch will play the second half. Broncos’ general manager John Elway and head coach Vance Joseph will wait to see how Kelly and Lynch perform before deciding whether to bring in a veteran quarterback.
Lynch was asked if he was stressed about being the No. 3 quarterback.
“I wouldn’t say stressed,’’ he said. “But obviously you think about it and when you get that situation put on you you’re not happy about it, but I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do with the hand that’s been dealt to me and that’s what I’m doing, I’m working my tail off.’’
