Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian was limited in practice Thursday, but resumed throwing during individual and some seven-on-seven drills, a promising sign as he recovers from a left shoulder sprain.

Siemian had said earlier in the week he anticipates playing Sunday, when the Broncos play the Atlanta Falcons at Sports Authority Field, and that he’s approaching the week of practice with the expectation he will start.

Thursday his expectation became a more realistic possibility.

“It was a step forward,” Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said. “We’ll see how sore he is, how he’s feeling as we move to tomorrow. Hopefully he does a little more. I think he took a big step forward today.”

Siemian injured his nonthrowing shoulder when he was sacked during the Broncos’ victory at Tampa Bay last Sunday and did not practice Wednesday. He said he has progressed each day.

“The biggest thing is you’re so sore, and when you throw, your trunk is moving. Everything is moving,” Kubiak said. “Trevor threw the ball fine today. You could just tell the rotation and stuff is something you have to get used to. It’s kind of like working through a hip pointer. It doesn’t feel very good, but it’s something you have to work through. But he took a good step today.”

Kubiak said Siemian’s progress and comfort in practice will be monitored closely as the Broncos close out their week. A decision on the quarterback deployment Sunday will not be rushed, and could be a game-day move.

In the meantime, Kubiak has ensured that rookie quarterback Paxton Lynch receives extra repetitions in practice to prepare in case he needs to play against Atlanta.

“We just keep getting them all ready to play,” Kubiak said. “Austin (Davis) is repping as well.

“I can’t get ahead of myself. ”