TAMPA, Fla. — Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian had to leave Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after injuring his left nonthrowing shoulder.
The injury came late in the first half when Siemian was sacked and body-slammed to the turf by Buccaneers defensive tackle Clinton McDonald, landing hard on the shoulder.
No penalty was called on the play.
Siemian was ruled questionable to return to the game and he was taken to the locker room on a cart. He did not return.
First-round draft pick Paxton Lynch came into the game and threw an incompletion on his first career pass.
After the Broncos defense forced a three-and-out, Lynch drove the offense 47 yards in nine plays, getting a 38-yard field goal from Brandon McManus to put the Broncos ahead 17-7 at halftime.
Lynch completed 4 of 7 passes for 47 yards on the drive.
Siemian returned to the sideline at the start of the third quarter and was in a ball cap. Siemian was not expected to play in the second half but could in case there was an emergency.
“He’s day to day,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “He might have been able to go back in, but I’m really proud of Paxton, how he handled the football team to get us out of here with a W.”
Siemian said he stayed in uniform as a backup and could have returned if necessary.
“The shoulder is a little sore, but I think I’ll be alright,” he said.