Broncos make Sanchez starter for preseason opener

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) Mark Sanchez will be the starting quarterback for the Broncos' preseason opener in Chicago on Thursday night.

Coach Gary Kubiak on Wednesday gave Sanchez the start over Trevor Siemian, who is listed as the co-No. 1 quarterback on the team's depth chart. The Broncos plan to have Sanchez play the first quarter and Siemian play the second. Rookie Paxton Lynch is slotted to play the second half.

Sanchez got the nod after a close battle during the first two weeks of training camp. Sanchez was expected to step in as the No. 1 quarterback after Denver acquired him from Philadelphia in the spring. However, the eight-year veteran hasn't done enough in practice to win the job outright.

Siemian was the third quarterback behind Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler for most of 2015. He served as the backup for six games when Manning was hurt and played in one game.

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