Broncos' Fangio says Drew Lock is '50-50' to return in Week 5

Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio gave an optimistic update about injured quarterback Drew Lock on Friday.

Fangio said Lock has a "50-50" chance of playing in Week 5, according to The Denver Post's Ryan O'Halloran.

"(Lock) hasn't thrown yet, not a football, he's thrown some light balls," Fangio added, according to Brandon Krisztal of KOA Colorado. "I just need to see a healthy quarterback. I'm not gonna put him out there unless he's healthy."

Lock suffered a rotator cuff sprain during the team's Week 2 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Broncos chose not to put the signal-caller on injured reserve in hopes he could return sooner than expected. The current rules call for any players placed on injured reserve to miss a minimum of three games.

Fangio has also confirmed Brett Rypien will continue to start if Lock is not ready to go.

Rypien threw two touchdowns and three interceptions in his first career start Thursday. Fangio has expressed confidence in Rypien's ability to build on that performance if he's declared the Week 5 starter.

"If he has to play this coming week in New England, I think he'll be even better," the coach said, according to DNVR's Zac Stevens.

Denver's offense could also get another boost from running back Phillip Lindsay. The rusher "should be able to play" in the upcoming contest after missing the last three games due to turf toe, according to Fangio.

Denver has struggled on offense this season, averaging just 20.5 points per game.