Paxton Lynch to Start vs. Falcons: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Paxton Lynch will make his first career NFL start Sunday in a Week 5 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, as Mike Klis first reported for 9 News. 

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport later confirmed the news.  

Starter Trevor Siemian suffered a sprained shoulder against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4, and he is unlikely to be active Sunday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. However, sources told Klis that Siemian could be back for the upcoming Thursday night matchup against the San Diego Chargers. 

Lynch entered the Week 4 game for his NFL debut and went 14-of-24 with 170 yards and a touchdown as the Broncos improved to 4-0 with a 27-7 win, via the NFL:

The 22-year-old was selected No. 26 overall in the 2016 draft out of Memphis. He was considered a top-three quarterback alongside Carson Wentz of the Philadelphia Eagles and Jared Goff of the Los Angeles Rams. 

Upon being drafted, though, Lynch was thought to be a year or so away from starting, as NFL Network's Mike Mayock told Mark Maske of the Washington Post. 

With the retirement of Peyton Manning and the loss of Brock Osweiler to free agency, the Broncos entered the season with questions surrounding the quarterback situation. 

Yet the Broncos, behind a stout defense that has allowed 20 or fewer points in each of their first four games, are undefeated. 

Lynch will now line up against a surprising 3-1 Falcons team that boasts the best offense in the league but the second-worst pass defense, which means the rookie could have a successful first start as a Bronco.