It's been a foregone conclusion for a while now that Drew Lock would take the reins as starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos, an eventuality cemented by the decision to place Joe Flacco on injured reserve with a neck injury in early November. 

The move thrust veteran backup Brandon Allen into the starting role thereafter, but mostly because Lock himself was on injured reserve with a thumb injury suffered during preseason play. With the former second-round pick now cleared, healthy and ready to practice, it's time the Broncos find out if he can be the future at the position. Their decision to trade for Flacco turned out to be a poor one -- albeit it's not completely attributable to Flacco's play, but also protection and issues with play-calling -- but it's safe to say Lock has an opportunity to potentially make Flacco's stay in Mile High a brief one; at least as a starter, which is what Flacco wants to be. 

His split with the Baltimore Ravens was predicated upon having lost his spot to Lamar Jackson, who is currently the frontrunner for league MVP, and it's difficult to believe he'd want to stick around in Denver if Lock secures the top role for 2020.

As for Lock, whom team exec John Elway admits he "wants to be careful" with, the moment for his time in the sun is rapidly nearing. The rookie was impressive in preseason play before being sidelined with injury, but the regular season is its own monster, and one Lock will have to prove he can conquer. His first NFL start is imminent, and might come as soon as the team's Week 13 battle with the Los Angeles Chargers.

"We're going to go through this week and see how both quarterbacks do," Elway said, via Mike Rice of KOA 94.1FM in Colorado. "And then make a decision later in the week."

Head coach Vic Fangio, whose seat is far hotter beneath him than Elway would have anyone believe, also noted the possibility of Lock starting against the Chargers. And with that, all signs point to Sunday being Lock's first official showing at the NFL level, although Elway's protective ways could stall those plans at least one more week.

Allen is 1-2 in his first three career starts with only three touchdowns to two interceptions, and he threw for only 82 yards in the 20-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Sitting at 3-8 on the season and with no real hope of making the playoffs, it's time for the Broncos to start figuring out their future, and assessing the potential of Lock plays a huge part in that equation.