Why Are Broncos Seemingly 'Trying to Postpone' the Return of QB Drew Lock?

In the wake of a 2-5 start, the Broncos are making some mystifying roster decisions, especially as it pertains to rookie QB Drew Lock.

The Denver Broncos are limping into Week 8's bout with the Indianapolis Colts at 2-5. The Joe Flacco experiment has been a clear and evident bust for the Broncos. 

Not only did Denver get out to an 0-4 start under Flacco's under-center stewardship, the Broncos completely soiled the bed with their embarrassing 30-6 loss to the Division-rival Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7. In front of a national audience. 

This season has been a near-catastrophe from the drop and if last week's debacle at home vs. the Chiefs wasn't a reality check for the Broncos' front office, especially as it pertains to Flacco and competing for a playoff spot, I don't know what will. 

Last week laid bare the stark reality that the Broncos need to abandon Plan A and jump to Plan B as soon as is humanly possible. That means turning the page from Flacco to Drew Lock. 

However, the Broncos have sent mixed signals as it relates to their rookie second-round QB. Lock was placed on injured reserve to open the season and last week he became eligible to practice. If a team plans to use one of its two designations-to-return on an IR player, that player need to practice first. 

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Last week, head coach Vic Fangio intimated that Lock would be practicing this week ahead of the Broncos trip to Lucas Oil Stadium. Instead, we learned from Fangio on Wednesday that the Broncos are "trying to postpone" getting any of their four eligible-to-practice IR players back out on the practice field. 

We also learned from 9NEWS' Mike Klis on Wednesday that the Broncos' plan might be to keep Lock on the proverbial ice until well after their Week 10 bye. 

Why are the Broncos dragging their feet? Why does this team seem so reluctant to start the clock on the Drew Lock era? 

In the video above, I break down the seemingly contradictory statements made by Broncos GM John Elway and Vic Fangio, as it pertains to these mixed signals this team is sending to Broncos Country. 

Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen and @MileHighHuddle.