Broncos fall in NFL power rankings following Drew Lock’s injury

With starting quarterback Drew Lock set to miss 2-6 weeks with a right throwing shoulder injury, the Denver Broncos (0-2) aren’t getting much love from the national media in NFL power rankings.

The Broncos dropped to No. 24 in Nate Davis’ latest NFL power rankings for USA TODAY Sports this week. That’s a big drop after being ranked No. 16 last week.

Here is Davis’ commentary with Denver’s ranking:

They’ve caught bad breaks on injury front. But QB Jeff Driskel is no slouch and could keep Denver competitive while Drew Lock nurses his bum wing.

Jeff Driskel is set to start in Lock’s place in Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Either Blake Bortles or Brett Rypien will serve as Driskel’s backup in Week 3.

Bortles is undergoing COVID-19 testing and if all goes well, he could join the team on Friday, two days before Denver’s showdown with the Bucs. If he’s cleared to join the team before this weekend, Bortles might be the QB2 at home against Tampa Bay.