Josh Johnson was among the Denver Broncos’ early roster cuts on Tuesday, a sign that Brett Rypien had won the team’s backup quarterback job.
Rypien is set to serve as the QB2 this year behind starter Russell Wilson. After the Broncos set their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday, general manager George Paton explained why Rypien was picked over Johnson.
“It was really tough,” Paton said. “Brett and Josh had a great competition. It came down to the final game. The body at work, both these guys did a lot of really good things. I just think the way ‘Ryp’ operated the offense, the way he moved the team, he did some really good things. … but it was a really close competition. We hope to get Josh back as well.”
Denver did manage to also bring Johnson back, signing him to the 16-player practice squad on Wednesday. Johnson will be available to be called up to the active roster at any time, but he’ll begin the season as QB3.
Ultimately, the Broncos’ success this year likely rests on Wilson, so fans will hope Denver doesn’t have to turn to a backup QB in 2022.
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