Manning Still Out But Returns To Practice On A Limited Basis

Peyton Manning and Denver Broncos’ fans were hoping for a ‘season to remember’ in the final campaign before the Hall of Fame quarterback calls it a career. It hasn’t quite worked out that way. Actually, things are going pretty well for the Broncos–they’re 10-3 and hold a two game lead over second place Kansas City in the AFC West. Things aren’t going quite as well for Manning–he’s missed the last four games with a foot injury. There has been a positive development, however, as he’s returned to practice on a limited basis. Even so, he still remains ‘Out’ and won’t be on the active roster this Sunday when the Broncos play the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Manning hasn’t practiced since mid-November, three days before he had one of the worst games of his career going 5 of 20 with four interceptions in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The team ‘shut him down’ at that point, handing the starting job over to Brock Osweiler. Osweiler has done well since then, winning three of his four starts. He’s coming off his first 300+ yard game as a pro as he passed for 308 yards in last Sunday’s loss to the Oakland Raiders. On the downside, he did not throw a touchdown pass and was sacked five times.

Manning was limited in practice, running some plays for the scout team and forbidden from any contact drills. He’s already listed as ‘Out’ for Sunday’s game at Pittsburgh though Osweiler says that it’s good to have him back regardless: “It was great, it was great to have him out there, throwing footballs. Just to get him back on the field, working and having him beside you, it’s great to have him back out there.” Denver head coach Gary Kubiak says that Manning will try to do ‘a little more’ on Thursday before he’s re-evaluated. He was listed as a ‘limited’ participant in Wednesday’s practice and will be once again on Thursday.

Osweiler will get his fifth straight start against the Steelers on Sunday. With Manning listed as ‘Out’ for Sunday’s game, Coach Kubiak has named rookie Trevor Siemian will be the Broncos’ backup quarterback.