ENGLEWOOD — Sean Payton reluctantly confirmed what seemed obvious.

The Broncos coach initially avoided answering when asked after Wednesday practice: Is Jarrett Stidham your backup quarterback?

“The great thing is, we’re able to bring three on game day,” Payton said. “There’s this pecking order. … I didn’t answer his question (laughs).”

He finally relented after a reporter questioned if Stidham would be first off the bench to replace starting quarterback Bo Nox.

Payton said: “(Stidham) would be now, in fairness to the question.”

That’s no real surprise.

Stidham and third-string quarterback Sam Ehlinger began training camp in a position battle for the backup job. It appeared Ehlinger had momentum. Stidham failed to rally the Broncos to victory in the AFC Championship Game loss to the Patriots. Ehlinger turned down active roster invitations last season to be the third quarterback in Denver.

Ehlinger briefly led the second-team offense during several team periods in training camp. But his performance never supplanted Stidham, a veteran backup who looked terrific over two series in the preseason opener. Stidham completed 9 of 15 passes for 131 yards and one touchdown.

Ehlinger showed flashes of his strong arm and confidence making plays outside of the pocket. But it was Stidham’s job to lose after two previous seasons backing up Nix. The Broncos are still carrying Ehlinger on the active roster.

Briefly

Running back J.K. Dobbins is “moving well” and “doing well” after not playing in the preseason, Payton said. … Linebacker Alex Singleton returned to practice after a Tuesday absence (personal reasons). Outside linebacker Que Robinson went to the side field after individual drills. Wide receiver Marvin Mims, tight end Adam Trautman and tight end Caleb Lohner also worked out on the side field. … Tight end Evan Engram said he’s been “super impressed” with second-year edge rusher Que Robinson. Engram continued: “He’s been a force all camp. There’s been a couple of times I’ve been in pass (protection), he’s lined up across and I’ve had to bring it.” … Defensive lineman Zach Allen is looking forward to Week 1 in Kansas City on “Monday Night Football” against the Chiefs. Allen said: “I think it’s going to be really cool, definitely get the season going. It’s good we have at least a little extra time to prepare for such a good opponent and to do it on primetime is really cool.” … Rookie wide receiver Cameron Ross, waived by the Broncos, will work out with the Chiefs on Friday, a source told The Denver Gazette.