Mark Sanchez Injury: Updates on Broncos QB's Recovery from Thumb Surgery

Denver Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez underwent surgery on his left thumb on May 14 after suffering an injury during weight training. It is unclear exactly when he will be able to return to the field.

Continue for updates.

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Latest on Sanchez's Practice Status

Tuesday, May 24

Mike Klis of 9News reported Sanchez was not taking snaps under center, but he was "otherwise participating in position drills."

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Sanchez Remains Front-Runner for Broncos' QB Job

Sanchez, 29, is the early favorite to replace Peyton Manning as Denver's starter. He came over from the Philadelphia Eagles via trade in March after the previous heir apparent Brock Osweiler signed with the Houston Texans. The former first-round pick threw for 616 yards and four touchdowns against four interceptions last season in Philadelphia.

"I was impressed by his arm strength. I was impressed with the throws he was making," wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders said in April, per Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com. "I’ve been here around the locker room and he’s been spending extra time in the facility. That’s the type of guy that we need. It’s going to be fun."

Trevor Siemian, 24, was a seventh-round pick out of Northwestern in 2015. His only NFL experience is a single kneel-down against the Pittsburgh Steelers last December. 

The Broncos traded up to the No. 26 pick in April to draft Paxton Lynch, a 6'7" project with a howitzer arm. Lynch was the third quarterback off the board behind Jared Goff and Carson Wentz, and he's seen as a bit of a project. Barring a surprising development, 2016 should be a year for him to sit and watch.

That's of little comfort to Sanchez, though, who appears determined to keep his spot. Klis reported Sanchez "pushed" to get the surgery done so he could get back on the field. That's a hallmark of a veteran who sees a youngster in his rear-view mirror.

Follow Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) on Twitter.