With benching of Russell Wilson, Broncos and Chargers each turn to backup quarterbacks

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — With one of the league's highest-paid QBs sent to the bench, it's now backup against backup.

Stidham versus Stick.

Not exactly what everyone envisioned this time of year.

Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton is sending Russell Wilson to the sideline in order to see if Jarrett Stidham can spark a sporadic offense Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers (5-10), who are relying on Easton Stick after an injury to Justin Herbert.

The Broncos (7-8) still have a slim playoff chance — an 8% chance at the moment, according to the NFL — that now rides on Stidham’s right arm. The decision by Payton to bench Wilson for the final two games is a franchise-altering one that figures to lead to a divorce between the two sides come the offseason, with money and salary-cap implications factoring in. Wilson signed a five-year, $245 million contract last year that kicks in next season.

“Ultimately, our job is to get the ball in the end zone, and we have to be more efficient doing that. All of us,” Payton said. “I can’t replace the entire offensive line. I can’t bring in five new receivers. If it continues over a period of time, there will be another (coach) here talking to you, as well. These are difficult decisions.”

This becomes a two-game audition for Stidham, who's also penciled in to start the season finale at Las Vegas next weekend. He’s trying to tune out the distractions and focus on the task at hand. Should Denver win both games, and the Kansas City Chiefs (9-6) drop their two games, the Broncos would make the playoffs for the first time since winning the Super Bowl following the 2015 season.

“I don’t think I need to overthink it — just do what I’m coached to do,” Stidham said. “We have a great staff and a great group of guys around me. I’m just going to do my job to the best of my ability — do the certain things that I need to do on each and every play.”

Stick stepped in when Herbert broke his right index finger in the second quarter against the Broncos on Dec. 10. The Chargers have been eliminated from the AFC playoff race.

“You put everything into this game. When you do that, obviously, there’s a ton of pride,” Stick said. “We’re going out there to get better on the field.”

Stick and Stidham have a combined four NFL starts. They're both winless as starters, too.

Barring a tie Sunday, that will change for one of them.

Stick has started the past two weeks, including a performance last week in which he threw for 215 yards and scored a TD on a run in a 24-22 loss to Buffalo.

Stidham started the final two games last season for the Raiders, after the team benched Derek Carr. Stidham, a 2019 fourth-round pick by New England, threw for 584 yards in those two starts, along with four touchdowns and three interceptions.

“He’s someone who has really good poise,” Payton said. “You see his arm strength and decision-making.”

Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler, posted on social media: “God’s got me. Looking forward to what’s next.”

He's become a fall guy for a scuffling offense. Wilson's 26 TD passes are tied for sixth-most in the league. Nonetheless, the Broncos are averaging 21.8 points as an offense, which is in the middle of the pack.

“We need a spark. We need something right now,” Payton said. “We’ll handle the long-term when we get there, but we’re not there. We’re trying to find a way to get this eighth win, and then if we’re able to do that, then obviously, we have another important game next weekend. That’s where we’re at right now.”

RECEIVING QUANDRY

Stick may be without two key targets against the Broncos. Keenan Allen could be sidelined for a third straight game due to a heel issue and Joshua Palmer is in the concussion protocol. That would likely leave first-round pick Quentin Johnston and Alex Erickson as the starters.

Tight end Gerald Everett has emerged as one of Stick’s prime targets after having seven catches for 42 yards last week against Buffalo.

LEADERSHIP ROLE

The Broncos benched one captain in Wilson this week and lost another when the Houston Texans claimed safety Kareem Jackson off waivers on Tuesday. It spoiled the Broncos’ hopes of re-signing the hard-hitting 14th-year pro to their practice squad so they could elevate him for their remaining games.

“His family is there, and I’m happy for him,” Payton said. “I’m a huge fan of his — a huge fan. It’s only fitting.”

NEW COACH MOMENTUM

Los Angeles displayed a newfound energy under interim coach Giff Smith despite the loss to the Bills. Smith, who took over after Brandon Staley was fired, said it hasn’t felt that much different being in charge.

“During the week is the challenge that you have never been through,” Smith said. “But on game day, all three coordinators did such a great job, so you just manage the game for them. I was comfortable in that aspect.”

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AP Sports Writer Joe Reedy contributed to this report.

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