Broncos starting quarterback Trevor Siemian got a rest day Tuesday in an attempt to get his banged up left shoulder better ahead of the bye week. That meant Broncos rookie quarterback Paxton Lynch took all of the Broncos’ team practice reps, a rare opportunity for the young quarterback to work with the starting offense.

Broncos coach Gary Kubiak has remained steadfast this season that Siemian is the starter though the offense has struggled much of the time.

Asked about Lynch, Kubiak said: “Paxton shows amazing talent throwing the ball and making plays. Then there’s inconsistency in doing the right thing — keying coverage right. That’s why he’s young. Good work for him today. He was in control of the football team for the most part.” Related Articles November 14, 2016 Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas slams back at critics with season’s best performance

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Kubiak said several starters didn’t practice Tuesday so it was a good opportunity to give young players such as Lynch extended reps. Nowhere is the Broncos’ youth more apparent than at quarterback where they have a first-year starter, Siemian, and and Lynch backing him up.

“They’ve done really well. The thing I’m excited about is I see growth every day,” Kubiak said.

Talib back. Cornerback Aqib Talib returned to practice Tuesday. He missed the Broncos’ last three games with a lower back injury that required him to get an injection a couple of weeks ago. Tuesday, he returned to Broncos’ practice.

“He’s feeling good. The injection was a successful thing that they did,” Kubiak said. “And I know how excited he is about the last six weeks. Good to see him get some work in and we’ll pick it up again next week.”

Talib expects to return for the Broncos’ next game, Nov. 27 against Kansas City. He leads the team with three interceptions and the Broncos’ pass defense has suffered in his absence.

“It’s attitude. He’s such a positive, playmaking, energy guy,” Kubiak said. “Aqib is a loud guy, we all know that, but it’s all about football when he’s out here. He’s very bright. We missed him and it’s great to have him back. It’s great to know that he’s feeling well.”

Footnotes. Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware was selected as the Broncos nominee for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award Tuesday. The finalists will be trimmed to eight in December and a winner will be chosen in February. … Safety Justin Simmons, who blocked the late extra point against the Saints, was nominated for clutch performer and rookie of the week.