The final stage is set for the final act of Broncos’ backup quarterback competition and the only certainty is a collective mindset shared between Kevin Hogan and Brett Rypien: Let it fly.

“We need to be able to open it up a little bit and I think that’s what we’re going to do,” Hogan said. “So I’m expecting some successful drives and some points on the board.”

Rypien said: “It would be nice to open it up for sure..”

A thumb sprain for Broncos’ second-round rookie Drew Lock’s right throwing hand delayed his planned ascension to backup starter Joe Flacco. Coach Vic Fangio remained undecided as of Tuesday afternoon whether that role would shift to Hogan or Rypien with the team’s preseason finale Thursday night versus Arizona being the final showcase.

Fangio also said he had not decided which quarterback would start against the Cardinals or how snaps would be divided. Fangio would only confirm: “They’re both going to play.”

Hogan has the edge in experience with three years in the NFL on his resume while Rypien is a rookie. But neither has wowed coaches after four preseason games with a combined one passing touchdown (Rypien to wide receiver Juwann Winfree), leading to speculation the team might bring in a new quarterback next week if neither impresses Thursday.

“I’m going to go out and make the plays that are there, run the plays that are called, and if a shot is there, I’m going to take it. I’m looking for those,” Hogan said. “Unfortunately, we just haven’t had those opportunities.”

Rypien did not play in two of Denver’s four preseason games as the number four quarterback on the depth chart. It’s an unfamiliar spot for someone who broke several passing records while at Boise State.

“I’ve played the last eight years and started as a freshman in high school and then as a freshman in college; it’s definitely a different role,” Rypien said. “I just try to focus on what I can control and that’s coming out here today and getting better. Then putting some good film out there this week.”

Picking between either quarterback without the benefit of a full playbook also presents a challenge. Preseason statistics don’t tell the whole story when calls are sometimes made to test stress points rather than give the offense an upper hand; leaving Hogan and Rypien unable to check into a better call.

“Some guys do better with a full game plan and (when) you know who you’re playing with,” Fangio said. “But still, if the guy has got talent, it should surface at some point within the game.”

It seems the Broncos currently have three viable options at backup quarterback.

The predictable move: Hogan earns the QB-2 roster spot and Rypien is waived with the intention of the Broncos returning him to the practice squad. Hogan’s NFL experience, while limited, provides stability while Lock rehabs on injured reserve and eventually supplants Hogan as the backup.

The bold choice: Hogan is cut with no practice squad invitation and Rypien is named the backup. Extra risk is assumed should Lock also fall on IR and miss eight weeks. But keeping two rookie quarterbacks and Flacco on the 53-man roster also provides its own set of issues.

The panic button: Hogan and Rypien are cut and the Broncos sign a backup from outside the franchise. A trade for Nick Mullens in San Francisco would give Denver a capable passer familiar with offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello. But at what cost in return? Pickings are slim on the free-agent market this close to Week 1.

Fangio’s backup quarterback decision will likely be on hold until the final horn sounds Thursday night at Broncos Stadium. He’s looking for one big thing.

“I’d like to see some separation from (Hogan and Rypien),” Fangio said. “We’ve got one more game to do that. That remains to be seen. I’ve seen some good play. I’ve seen some not so good (play). So I don’t know the answer to that just yet.”

BACKUP BATTLE

A by-the-numbers comparison between Broncos quarterbacks Kevin Hogan and Brett Rypien in pursuit of backing up starter Joe Flacco while second-round rookie Drew Lock recovers from a right thumb sprain.

Player; Size; College — career stats; NFL experience — career stats; 2019 preseason stats; Notable

Kevin Hogan; 6-foot-3 and 218 pounds; Stanford — 727-of-1,103 (65.9) passing, 9,385 yards, 75 touchdowns, 29 interceptions; Fourth season — 60-101 (59.4), 621 yards, 4 touchdowns, 7 interceptions; Four games, 84 snaps, 21-42 (50.0) passing, 173 yards, 0 touchdowns, 1 interception, 51.0 rating; Has eight NFL game appearances with one start over two seasons in Cleveland (2016-’17). … Finished lone start, a 33-17 loss at Houston in ‘17, with 140 yards passing, one touchdown and three interceptions. … 2016 fifth-round (No. 152 overall) NFL draft pick by the Chiefs.

Brett Rypien; 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds; Boise State — 1,035-of-1,617 (64.0) passing, 13,578 yards, 90 touchdowns, 29 interceptions; Rookie — N/A; Two games, 61 snaps; 19-33 (57.6) passing, 121 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception; Nephew of Super Bowl XXVI MVP quarterback Mark Rypien with the Redskins. … Mountain West Conference all-time leader in passing yards, completions and 300-yard passing games (21). … Undrafted in 2019 and signed with the Broncos in April.