Osweiler To Start For Broncos, But Manning May Return Soon

By Danny Cox

Brock Osweiler is already set to make his fifth consecutive start for the Denver Broncos when they step onto Heinz Field against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak confirmed earlier this week that Osweiler will be starting under center, but it seems like only a matter of time until Peyton Manning gets his job back.

On Wednesday, Manning returned to practice for the first time in a month and began going through the drills with his team.

Manning has been out since Nov. 15 with torn plantar fascia in his left foot, but it has been said that he's also been healing up some other issues such as his shoulder. On Wednesday, Manning worked under center, executed dropbacks, performed in 7-on-7 drills, and threw from the shotgun.

"He took a step forward today," Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said.

Manning looked good in his return to practice, but Osweiler will be the started against the Steelers with Trevor Simian as the backup. As for Manning, he's not going to be on the active roster on Sunday.

"The team knows exactly what's going on (at the quarterback position) because they're out there every day," Kubiak said.

Kubiak said that due to questions being raised about the quarterback situation after the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Broncos coach would not give any real info on anything past Sunday at this point.

Despite having the worst performance of his career in his last in-game appearance, the Broncos players re looking toward to him being back.

"It was good to see him back. I know he was happy to be back, and everybody was excited to see him. That's no disrespect to Brock," said Broncos receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who gave Osweiler an "A-plus" for his play the past four weeks. "Obviously, Peyton has been battling a lot of injuries. He looked good out there."

Against the Kansas City Chiefs, Manning completed just five of 20 passes with four interceptions, and it ended up in a loss for the Broncos. Following that game, there was aggressive treatment of his foot which included rest, a walking cast, and then a boot on it.

Brock Osweiler has gone 3-1 so far as a starter for the Broncos and no word has been given or even hinted at, as far as the future of the quarterback position for the Denver Broncos. Rumors of Peyton Manning's retirement have come about for months, but no official word from him or the team is likely to come until after the season is over.

Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.