Peyton Manning had a bit of a setback in the Denver Broncos’ practice Friday after missing the 31 previous practices due to a partially torn plantar fascia.
Mike Klis, the Denver Broncos beat reporter for Denver’s 9NEWS, writes that quarterback Peyton Manning suffered a minor setback in Friday’s practice at the Broncos’ Englewood team facility. Manning appeared in practice for the first time in 31 previous practices on Wednesday in a limited capacity, but was ultimately held out Friday’s practice.
Manning was not going to play on Sunday in the Broncos’ Week 15 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the Broncos did not expect Manning being unable to go in Friday’s practice.
Manning will travel with the team but it will end up being third string quarterback Trevor Siemian who will end up serving as backup to Broncos starter Brock Osweiler for the fifth straight game. Osweiler has gone 3-1 in his four starts since replacing the benched Manning in Week 10 at home against their AFC West rival in the Kansas City Chiefs.
Expect the Broncos to continue to aid on the side of precaution with Manning. The team has done well with Osweiler under center, as he has actually a better fit in head coach Gary Kubiak’s ultra conservative offensive game plan. Osweiler has more arm strength to keep defenses honest and the Denver defense is one of the best in the NFL.
Denver needs to continue to play well for their potential AFC Playoffs seeding. Kansas City is second hottest team in football behind undefeated Carolina, as the Chiefs have won seven straight. Pittsburgh on Sunday is coming of a big win over the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North are for the moment not in a playoff spot.
If Manning needs a day off following two practices after missing the 31 previous to that, it may stand as a sign that Manning’s declining health only further demonstrates Kubiak’s logic of going with Osweiler into the Broncos’ AFC playoff run.