Siemian and Lynch listed as co-starters on Broncos first 2017 depth chart

One of them is going to line up for the first snap of Thursday’s preseason opener against the Chicago Bears. But as of Monday morning and the release of the Denver Broncos’ first depth chart, it’s still unclear whether that will be Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch.

Siemian and Lynch were listed as co-starters on the team’s first depth chart of 2017, signaling that the race for the starting quarterback position remains a dead-even heat.

The offensive depth chart mostly follows chalk based on experience, minus a few spots on the offensive line and at running back.

Note: Injured players denoted in [brackets], rookies are underlined

Rookie and first-round draft pick Garett Bolles has claimed the left tackle job heading into the first preseason game, while third-year guard Max Garcia remains atop the depth chart at left guard despite pressure from recent acquisition Allen Barbre, who is now in his 10th NFL season.

In the backfield, injured second-year back Devontae Booker is still listed as the backup to C.J. Anderson, with veterans Jamaal Charles and Steven Ridley occupying the top depth spots. Booker could be ready as early as Week 1, although a definitive timeline for his return has not been set.

At tight end, Jeff Heuerman sits ahead of A.J. Derby on the second team. Virgil Green remains in the starting role.

Veterans Bennie Fowler and Cody Latimer occupy the second-team wide receiver spots behind Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Despite a strong camp from rookie Isaiah McKenzie and a solid showing late from fellow rookie Carlos Henderson and second-year wideout Jordan Taylor, Latimer is holding his spot. Latimer is also listed as the first-team kick returner, a job he held last season. McKenzie has locked up the starting punt return duties.

There were no real surprises on the defensive side of the ball, except perhaps that rookie Brendan Langley slid in ahead of Lorenzo Doss as the second-team cornerback behind Chris Harris Jr.

The Broncos open preseason play at Chicago on Thursday. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. MDT on 9NEWS/KTVD-20.