Broncos QBs off COVID-19 list, set for practice return Wednesday

The Denver Broncos activated quarterbacks Drew Lock, Brett Rypien, and Blake Bortles from the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, the team announced.

The trio tested negative for the coronavirus for a fifth straight day, setting them up to return to the team's facility for practice Wednesday. They're all also eligible to play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Lock, Rypien, and Bortles were considered high-risk close contacts of fellow signal-caller Jeff Driskel, who tested positive for the virus last Thursday.

All four weren't allowed to play in Week 12, forcing Denver to start practice squad wide receiver Kendall Hinton in Sunday's 31-3 blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints.

Lock apologized Sunday for the group's failure to properly follow mask protocols during a position meeting.

After the loss to the Saints, Broncos head coach Vic Fangio said he was disappointed his quarterbacks put their team in such a difficult situation.

Denver reportedly signed quarterback Kyle Shurmur, the son of offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, to presumably act as further depth. He needs to pass through the league's virus protocols before joining the roster.

The Broncos reportedly expect to be fined and stripped of a draft pick for failing to obey COVID-19 safety protocols.

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