Peyton Manning Returns to Practice for Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning practiced with the Denver Broncos for the first time since injuring his foot against the Chiefs in week 10.

Peyton Manning returned to practice today (12/16) for the first time since suffering a partially torn plantar fascia against the Kansas City Chiefs in week 10. Peyton Manning took part in some 7-on-7 work and threw with the scout team in his first practice in over a month. Despite the return to the practice field, the Denver Broncos stated that Brock Osweiler would start his fifth-consecutive game in Peyton Manning’s absence. Furthermore, Peyton Manning will not dress out on Sunday against the Pittsburg Steelers.

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Peyton Manning’s status beyond Sunday’s matchup against the Steelers remains cloudy, with a return the following week as a best-case scenario. The Pittsburg Steelers are one of the weakest defenses in the NFL this year, so Brock Osweiler should continue his successful string of starts under center. Osweiler enters this week with a 3-1 record as a starter; however, he and the Denver Broncos come off of a disappointing home loss against the Oakland Raiders.

With the home loss, the Denver Broncos need to re-enter the win column to ensure they win their division, because as of now, the Kansas City Chiefs are, mathematically, still in the running for first place. Some speculated that Peyton Manning might dress out on Sunday and serve as the Denver Broncos’ third-string quarterback (and an insurance option) against the Steelers. However, Peyton Manning will take it easy for yet another week in efforts to come back as healthy as possible.

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Following the Denver Broncos’ week 15 matchup against the Steelers, they return home for the final two games of the season, against the Bengals and Chargers, respectively. The Denver Broncos, likely, want Peyton Manning to return to action before the playoffs, so he can get back into the speed of things before the “real” games start. While Gary Kubiak has not named a starter for the remainder of the season, he has a tough decision on his hands when Peyton Manning is deemed fully healthy.

Next: Brock Osweiler: Denver Broncos Need to Re-Sign QB

The Denver Broncos kickoff against the Pittsburg Steelers at 2:25 (MST). The Denver Broncos enter the game as a 6.5 point underdog, but Emmanuel Sanders looks for revenge in his first game back in the Steel City on Sunday. Although the Denver Broncos are an underdog, they look better on paper than the Steelers.

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