Exhale: X-rays reportedly give Broncos good news on Drew Lock's injured right hand

On Monday night vs. the San Francisco 49ers. the Denver Broncos suffered injuries to rookie TE Noah Fant (foot) and LB Joe Dineen (broken hand).

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, the injury bug struck the Broncos again. In his debut in front of the Mile High faithful, rookie QB Drew Lock exited the game in the third quarter after being sacked on a 2nd-&-8 play and falling awkwardly on is right arm.

It's being reported as a thumb injury on his right hand (throwing arm). He appeared to be in pain as he exited the field and is doubtful to return.

Defense starting the second half strong 💪

@MarcellJHarris takes down Lock for a loss of 9. #SFvsDEN pic.twitter.com/tw0vV6WiI3
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 20, 2019

This is bad news for the Broncos, as Lock represents a premium-round draft pick. Taken with pick No. 42 in the second round of this past draft, Lock has been working this past week as the team's No. 2 QB behind Joe Flacco.

All momentum was on Lock's side, with Kevin Hogan bringing up the rear on scout team throughout most of this past week's practices. Lock looked solid, if unspectacular in Broncos' preseason bout vs. the Niners on Monday night.

Lock went 7-of-12 for 40 yards and carried the ball twice for 11 yards. Hopefully, it's not a serious injury as Lock's progress in his development has been apparent.

Hogan entered the game on the heels of Lock's injury. Behind Hogan, the Broncos also have undrafted rookie Brett Rypien, who figures to get some playing time vs. the Niners.

UPDATE: X-rays on Lock's hand were negative, per Mike Klis. He might be sore for a bit but the rookie dodges a major bullet.

Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen.