The Broncos minicamp had ended, and the fates of all the athletes trying out are hanging in the balance. With Bo Nix still recovering, Jarrett Stidham is acting as the backup quarterback during the camp.

But even with  Sam Ehlinger, the Broncos needed a few extra sets of hands. The presence of Nathan Peterman made many wonder if Denver is considering increasing their QB depth. 

However, head coach Sean Payton has made it clear that Nathan Peterman was brought in specifically to lead the minicamp.

“It’s always helpful if you can get a veteran because you don’t know how it’s going to be for the rookie,” Payton told Broncos Wire writer Jon Heath.

The Denver coach needed Peterman’s veteran touch to ensure that the camp progressed smoothly, since rookies often require extra guidance and attention before they can settle into the team's rhythm.

He further explained that without an experienced quarterback calling the shots, breaking a huddle, and figuring out the formation can be quite difficult for rookies. Such obstacles would slow the practice down significantly.

“Dead serious, it can slow down your whole practice if you can’t get the quarterback-center exchange, if you can’t call the play in the huddle,” Payton insisted.

The Broncos coach provided an update on Bo Nix’s recovery during the press conference at the end of Day 2 of the minicamp. He revealed that Nix was doing much better following the cleanup procedure he underwent in April and that his rehab was progressing well. 

In fact, he said that the star QB could join the team for their mandatory camp in June, although Payton would make sure he didn’t overexert himself too soon. 

Considering that the team already has two backup QBs and Nix is expected to return by next month, it is understandable why the Broncos aren’t thinking of adding yet another veteran quarterback to the team.

Nathan Peterman’s NFL Journey So Far

Nathan Peterman might not be a star quarterback, but he is steady and reliable as a rock. He was the 171st overall pick during the 2017 Draft and was picked up in the fifth round by the Buffalo Bills.

After competing with others in the QB room, he snagged a spot on their roster as their backup QB. 

Peterman had briefly acted as the Bills’ starter during the 2018 season, but was eventually benched. He was eventually released by the Bills in 2018, after completing four touchdowns and 12 interceptions across two seasons.

Since then, Peterman has signed short contracts with several teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, the Chicago Bears, the New Orleans Saints, and the Atlanta Falcons. Although his achievements in the NFL are limited, he is still valued for his experience and reliability.

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Written by

Arundhoti Palit

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit