The Broncos aren’t confirming anything but it doesn’t take a jigsaw master to assemble the puzzle being laid out in Denver right now. (Jigsaw master? Puzzle? Horrible – my apologizes.)

Kyle Orton was unable to throw on Friday thanks to arm and rib injuries and the Denver Post is speculating that rookie Tim Tebow will make his first career start against the Raiders on Sunday. Just because Orton didn’t throw all week doesn’t mean he won’t play, but when players don’t practice on Friday it’s usually a good indication that they won’t suit up Sunday.

Tebow completed 25-of-39 pass attempts for 344 yards, two touchdowns and three turnovers in preseason. If he does, look for the Broncos to keep it on the ground against the Raiders’ No. 26 run defense and take the pressure off Tebow’s shoulders. That said, if Oakland jumps out to a big lead and forces Denver to throw, it would be interesting to see how Tebow responds.

The uncertainty in Denver is at an all-time high. Josh McDaniels drafted Tebow to be the future starter but who knows whether or not the new head coach will want to work with such a big project at quarterback. Tebow’s throwing motion has been a major topic of concern and who knows where he’s at now. It would be nice to see him play well on Sunday but it wouldn’t be fair to grade his progress off of only one game – especially considering McDaniels is gone and he isn’t used to taking first-team reps in practice.

Either way, it’ll be good to see him get some actually game action on Sunday.