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Broncos pick rookie Tebow over veteran Quinn as No. 2 QB

The Denver Broncos made rookie Tim Tebow their No. 2 quarterback for Sunday's season opener at Jacksonville.

It's a homecoming for Tebow, who grew up in Jacksonville and played at Nease High School in suburban Ponte Vedra Beach and at the University of Florida.

It didn't take long for Tebow to see his first action of the regular season. On the Broncos' third play from scrimmage, he took a direct snap and ran for 1 yard.

The Broncos used Tebow in short-yardage and goal-line packages during the preseason, so he could see snaps in those situations Sunday. Tebow completed 64 percent of his passes for 344 yards and two touchdowns in the preseason, but he also threw two interceptions.

Kyle Orton is Denver's starting quarterback, so with Tebow the backup, veteran Brady Quinn will be No. 3. Quinn, a former first-round draft pick, was acquired by the Broncos in an offseason trade with the Cleveland Browns.

Right tackle Ryan Harris was inactive for the Broncos, moving rookie Zane Beatles into the starting lineup. Harris missed practice time this week because of a sprained left ankle.

The Broncos' other inactives were cornerback Syd'Quan Thompson, running back Andre Brown, safety Darcel McBath, guard Eric Olsen, offensive tackle Chris Clark and rookie wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, like Tebow a first-round pick this year.

Jacksonville's inactives were cornerbacks Don Carey and Michael Coe, punt returner Scotty McGee, kickoff returner Deji Karim, fullback Brock Bolen, offensive tackle Jordan Black, defensive end Austen Lane and defensive tackle Landon Cohen.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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