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Broncos rookie quarterback Paxton Lynch was running behind Mark Sanchez and Trevor Siemian in the spring, but said when he reported to camp that he thinks he has a real chance to play early in his first NFL season.

Coach Gary Kubiak said after an early practice with the team’s rookies that he saw improvement in Lynch’s game from where it was immediately after they picked him in the first round and it appears the needle continues to point up for the rookie. The team’s website reports Lynch displayed “steady work and sound decision-making” in Monday’s practice, which was supported by Kubiak’s appraisal of Lynch’s work.

“No. 12 is really, really stepping up,” Kubiak said. “He’s making some progress here.”

The report from Monday’s practice described both Sanchez and Siemian as having ups and downs, although Siemian “closed strongly” by leading the No. 2 offense to a touchdown against the No. 1 defense in a red zone drill. Sanchez was intercepted by cornerback Lorenzo Doss at the goal-line in his own red zone period.

The Broncos say there’s no timeline to announce a starter and continued progress from Lynch could keep things open well into the summer.