Jarrett Stidham to start vs. Arizona, but Zach Wilson will get most of Broncos’ snaps

Those with a ticket to the Broncos preseason finale Sunday against Arizona are in for a matinee rendition of the Zach Wilson Show.

Denver head coach Sean Payton on Friday confirmed that Jarrett Stidham will start the third and final preseason game but will only play 8-12 snaps. After that, the team plans to get a good, long look at Wilson.

Rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who on Wednesday was named the team’s starter, is not expected to play. Nor, Payton said, will most of the Broncos’ offensive starters.

“We’re trying to pay close attention to the snaps,” Payton said. “… This will be more two phases rather than three phases.”

Though Payton made it clear he was not ready to make any announcements about his 53-man roster on Friday, he spoke like a coach giving strong consideration to keeping all three to start the season.

“We’ve got a pretty good idea of the direction we’re going,” Payton said. “We’re going to meet here in about five minutes — (general manager George Paton), myself and a few others — and kind of go through the depth chart as we see it and the discussion of players. I think we’ve got a real good handle on that room specifically.

“We’re not announcing anything, but I’ve said this and I’ll say it again: I like the room. I think we’ve got better and this will be a good test and good opportunity for Zach getting work with the second wave. He’ll get a lot of snaps.”

Payton said the club would “certainly” entertain the idea of keeping three quarterbacks on the roster.

“We studied it and 14 of the 32 teams last year (did it). Just under half the league,” Payton said. “… Ultimately, I think most importantly you’re really looking at your assets when you make that decision.”