Last week, I wrote that Tim Tebow may not start until 2012 – this in response to his current development and the recent contract extension Kyle Orton received. So if he’s not going to start until 2012, the Bronco will at least need to get him some game action so he’ll be ready when the time comes… and trust me, the time will come. No team drafts a quarterback in the first round unless they have plans for him to be a starter.

The following related question was asked in the Broncos Mailbag on the Denver Post:

How soon before Tim Tebow reaches No. 2 on the depth chart? Once he gets healthy?
—Adam, Lakewood

Mike Klis of the Denver Post wrote the following reply:

This is a bit of a trick question. Here’s the deal: On gameday, Tebow will most likely be the No. 2 quarterback because McDaniels will want to use him for a couple run-pass option plays a game. The NFL has been calling such plays the “Wildcat.” Unlike Miami’s Ronnie Brown, Tebow will give the Broncos more of a passing threat out of the “Wild Horse,” as they like to call it.

But say Orton twists an ankle and can’t play for a week or two. At that point, my guess would be that Brady Quinn jumps from No. 3 quarterback to starter. And Tebow remains the backup. In summary, Tebow is already, and will be, the No. 2. But Quinn is either the No. 3 emergency quarterback on game days, or No. 1.

I tend to agree with Klis at this point. Brady Quinn is a bum, but he has some NFL Gameday experience. Tebow has missed a week of practice and a crucial preseason game where he would have seen a lot of action. By mid to late season this all could change, but for now I definitely see the Broncos keeping Tim as the #2 on opening day so they can use him in special situations.