The Falcons are set to face rookie Denver quarterback Paxton Lynch, who will be making his first NFL start, at 4:05 p.m. at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium, according to Denver's channel 9New s.

Lynch, a first-round pick from Memphis, will replace Trevor Siemian, who suffered a left shoulder sprain in the second quarter of 27-7 victory over Tampa Bay last Sunday.

Lynch, who some considered the most athletic quarterback in the draft over No. 1 pick Jared Goff (Rams) and No. 2 Carson Wentz (Eagles), came on and completed 14 of 24 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown. He was the 26th overall pick in the draft.

The Falcons prepared for both quarterbacks, but on Friday were convinced that they would see Lynch.

“I know that Paxton Lynch did some running in college and they like to run him a little bit,” Falcons linebacker LaRoy Reynolds said. “We’ll see if that’s what they want to do. We know it’s part of their game plan.”

Siemian is not expected to be active. Veteran Austin Davis will serve as the backup.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) is unable to catch the ball under pressure from Carolina Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson (2) during the second half of an NFL football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.  (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Ja’Quon Stembridge, shown here in July at the Henry County Republican Party monthly meeting, recently stepped from his position with the Georgia GOP. (Jenni Girtman for the AJC)

Credit: Jenni Girtman