After finding out they would be without their starting quarterback, two backup quarterbacks, and practice squad quarterback would all be unavailable for today's game after being identified as "high-risk COVID-19 close contacts" by the NFL, Vic Fangio and his Broncos staff were faced with a situation where they'd have to get creative in order to play their Sunday game against New Orleans.
With just about a day to prepare someone new with an NFL game plan for the Saints defense, the Broncos were exhausting all of their options. Those options included signing their assistant coaches to a contract in order for them to play, according to Mike Klis.
The Broncos have two quality control coaches that were quarterbacks back in college in former James Madison quarterback Justin Rascati, who led the Dukes to the FCS National Title way back in 2004, and Rob Calabrese, who spent time at quarterback at UCF from 2008-12.
Seems like a strategy that would make sense, considering the circumstances, right? There are two guys that, as a part of the staff, fully understand the game plan going in and have experience at arguably the most important position in the game.
However, the NFL burst that bubble and told them that wouldn't be allowed.
Instead, the Broncos are turning to 6-foot, 195 pound Kendall Hinton, a receiver on their practice squad who played quarterback in high school before starting as a true freshman signal caller at Wake Forest. He spent a few seasons as a backup quarterback before later being moved to receiver for the Demon Deacons. This game will be Hinton's first NFL action of his career, at any position.
From a coaching perspective, I think it's going to be really interesting to tune in and watch the Broncos game plan and how the offense operates today. It's either going to be really bad, or could make for a case study on how to handle the most adverse of situations. Either way, there's something to be learned.
Stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.