Mark Sanchez didn't play in the most meaningless game of the NFL season, and it's an ominous sign

Five months ago, Mark Sanchez was supposed to be the solution to the Denver Broncos quarterback vacancy, at least temporarily.

Though the Broncos never committed to him full time, when they traded for Sanchez, following Peyton Manning's retirement and Brock Osweiler's free-agency departure, he looked like the most qualified quarterback on the roster.

However, by Week 4 of the preseason Thursday night, Sanchez was glued to the bench, with second-year quarterback Trevor Siemian already named the Week 1 starter of the regular season, while rookie Paxton Lynch played the whole game. It was the second-straight preseason game Sanchez didn't play.

It appears the writing is on the wall for Sanchez - he likely won't make the roster.

If Sanchez is the Broncos' third-stringer, it makes little sense to keep him on the roster. By cutting him, the Broncos would not only get back the conditional seventh-round draft pick they owe the Philadelphia Eagles, they would also save the $3.5 million in base salary they would owe Sanchez.

On Thursday, Sanchez was asked about his future, saying, "I have no idea, I guess I'll find out [Friday]." The Broncos have until 4pm ET on Saturday to cut the roster to 53 players, but head coach Gary Kubiak said there will likely be cuts on Friday, according to ESPN's Jeff Legwold.

Sanchez said he's disappointed, as a competitor, by his regression from presumed starter to third-stringer, but will try to be supportive and help Siemian and Lynch.

ProFootball Talk's Mike Florio writes that Sanchez would likely be picked up for $1 million if he hits the free-agent market. However, his chances of starting for another team, after failing to beat two players who haven't thrown a regular-season pass in the NFL, don't look good.