Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (sprained thumb) is expected to be sidelined several weeks into the regular season — Denver may even consider placing him on injured reserve with a designation to return.

That will help Kevin Hogan’s chances of making the 53-man roster, but only he performs well in preseason. He went 8-of-12 for 69 yards in a 10-6 loss to the Rams on Saturday evening.

“I felt like we had a good drive, a good couple drives,” Hogan said after the loss. “The one that we finished with a field goal, would like to find a way to extend that and get in the end zone. But, that’s just part of this time of year. We’re out there running our base system.

“I felt like guys were out there making plays and playing with a lot of effort. We’ll find a way to tighten it up down there in the red zone and get in the end zone.”

Settling for field goals isn’t going to help Hogan’s chances.

“You know, kind of like it’s been all preseason,” coach Vic Fangio said of Hogan’s performance on Saturday. “Saw some good stuff, some that wasn’t as good. I thought our protection, for the most part, was pretty good. It gave our quarterbacks a chance to operate. We just got to be more consistent. Obviously, six points isn’t enough.”

Denver will likely pay attention to which veteran QBs become available later this week when NFL teams trim their rosters. If a player becomes available that the Broncos like, Hogan’s roster spot might be in jeopardy.

Fangio was asked after Saturday’s game if he’s satisfied with what he’s seen from Hogan or if he’ll want to continue giving him reps.

“We’ll see more,” Fangio said. “We’ll play Brett [Rypien] more this week. Give him an opportunity and play them both and make our decisions.”

Denver must make its roster decisions by Saturday afternoon.