Following up on this week's Team Notes. ... Russell Wilson has been benched.

The Broncos, facing a looming decision about Wilson's future with the organization, have benched the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to multiple reports.

Head coach Sean Payton informed the team Wednesday morning that Jarrett Stidham will start at quarterback Sunday with Wilson serving as the backup, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

"This is about now," Payton said later in the day when he addressed the media. "This is about trying to get our eighth win. And we'll go from there."
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The quarterback change increases the Broncos' financial flexibility this upcoming offseason, as Wilson will make an additional $37 million in guaranteed money if he can't pass a physical by early March. An injury to Wilson in either of Denver's last two games of the season would potentially trigger that guarantee.

Next season marks the first year of a five-year, $242.6 million extension signed in 2022 by Wilson, who already will make $39 million guaranteed in 2024.

"We're desperately trying to win. Sure, in our game today, there are economics and other things," Payton acknowledged. "But the number one thing. ... Is to get a spark offensively."

Indeed, the offense has been sluggish for much of the season.

The Broncos are 16th in the league in scoring (21.8 points per game), 20th on third down (36.65 percent), 31st in goal-to-go situations (53.57 percent) and 25th in passing (187.5 yards per game).

In 15 starts this year, Wilson has completed 66.44 percent of his passes for 3,070 yards -- fewest in 12 seasons -- with 26 touchdown passes and eight interceptions. The 26 TDs are tied for sixth in the league, but he's 18th in yards passing and has one 300-yard game this season -- in Denver's 70-20 loss to the Dolphins.

As ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold suggested, what the Broncos do with Wilson moving forward will be the biggest roster decision they face in the offseason.

The Broncos have just six draft picks in April, with no second-rounder, and would face unprecedented dead money charges of $85 million combined over the 2024 and 2025 seasons if they cut Wilson.

Wilson, when asked about his future after Sunday night's loss to the Patriots, said he was "just worried about next week and playing great football."

"I came here to win and win a championship for us and to find a way to do that," Wilson said. "I obviously love being here with these guys, these teammates. I'm excited to keep playing ball and playing hard for us."

Instead, Payton will use the final two weeks to see what he has in Stidham, who threw for 584 yards with four TDs and three INTs in two starts last season with Vegas.

With two games remaining, the 7 -8 Broncos have an 8 percent chance to make the postseason, per Next Gen Stats. They'll need Stidham to guide them to two wins over the Chargers and Raiders and get some help.

Whatever the case, benching Wilson to keep him healthy is a sign that Payton is ready to begin evaluations for the 2024 season as the coach continues to mold the roster to his liking. ...

Meanwhile, wide receiver Courtland Sutton (concussion) did not practice Wednesday.

"It's hard to give you levels, but it was a good day today," Head Coach Sean Payton said of Sutton. "But he's in [concussion] protocol, and hopefully each day there's some progress."

Running backs Samaje Perine (not injury related - rest) and Dwayne Washington (illness) also did not practice.

Tight end Greg Dulcich (hamstring/foot), who remains on injured reserve, did not practice on Wednesday and has not practiced since Dec. 13.