Peyton Manning Returns To Practice Thursday

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) - Peyton Manning returned to practice Thursday after the Denver Broncos held him out a day earlier because of a minor ankle injury.

Joining Manning on the practice field was right tackle Orlando Franklin, who missed last week's game with a sprained left ankle.

Manning would certainly welcome the return of Franklin to the lineup against Washington on Sunday.

He was knocked down 10 times at Indianapolis last week, when he was sacked a season-high four times with backup tackles Chris Clark and Louis Vasquez unable to hold the edge consistently against the likes of Robert Mathis (two sacks).

Manning was one of eight starters who skipped Wednesday's workout, most of whom returned Thursday.

By ARNIE STAPLETON, AP Pro Football Writer

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