The Denver Broncos kick off the NFL preseason in just a few hours and many fans want to know whether or not Russell Wilson will play against the Dallas Cowboys.

Unfortunately, they’ll have to wait a little longer before seeing Wilson throw a pass in a live-action game.

Josh Johnson set to start for Denver Broncos

The Broncos will start veteran quarterback Josh Johnson against the Dallas Cowboys Saturday evening.

The eight-year veteran is expected to throw the first pass of the Broncos’ preseason.

The ongoing position competition between Johnson and Brett Rypien is one thing to keep an eye on against the Cowboys.

Earlier this week, Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett described what he’s looking for out of both players.

“Even if [QB Russell Wilson] did go in, it would not be for much at all,” Hackett said. “I think a guy like [QB] Josh [Johnson], a guy like ‘Ryp’ (QB Brett Rypien), it’s a great competition right now between both those guys. They had a great play—who threw the go on the side? I didn’t even see. Was that ‘Ryp’ or was that Josh? That was awesome. To those kinds of things—both of those guys go back and forth. For us, it’s going to be about that consistency. Getting those completions, making the right decisions, keeping the chains moving and taking the shots when you have those. I think they have both shown they can do that. It’s now about doing it consistently as we move into these preseason games.”

Other starters aren’t expected to play much tonight either.

However, the expectation is that Calvin Anderson will get some reps at right tackle.

For both QBs, how they play and operate Hackett’s offensive system will help determine who will become the true backup to Wilson this season.

Must watch players vs the Dallas Cowboys

Throughout training camp, the Denver Broncos have had a multitude of players step up when involving themselves on offense and defense.

The Broncos’ fifth-round draft pick Montrell Washington, a speedy wide receiver from Samford University will have the most eyes on him against the Cowboys.

Washington has been heavily involved with every offensive unit during training camp and has dazzled as a playmaker.

He can solidify himself a spot on the active roster if he can replicate his success in live action.

Other receivers competing for a spot on the roster at receiver include Kendall Hinton, Jalen Virgil, Kaden Davis, Trey Quinn, Brandon Johnson, Seth Williams, and Travis Fulgham.

On defense, Denver’s fourth-round rookie cornerback Damarri Mathis has been another name who has shined during camp.

Mathis appears as if he has a secure spot on the roster, but he will have to hold off other corners like Michael Ojemudia, Faion Hicks, Bless Austin, Donnie Lewis Jr, Essang Bassey, and Ja’Quan McMillian.

The Denver Broncos kick-off action tonight against the Dallas Cowboys at 7:00 PM MT at Empower Field at Mile High.