Archie Manning says Peyton has been battling foot injury for months

“Basically we did individual [drills], took a 7-on-7 period, a defensive period, took a step [Wednesday], we’ll take a look at [Thursday], probably do a little bit more [Thursday]… but a step back in the right direction”. But after two practies, Manning was held out of the Broncos’ practice Friday. The Broncos quarterback hasn’t played in a game since November 15. Last week, Manning added a throwing regimen to his rehab program.

“It was good to see him back, I know he was happy to be back, I know everybody was excited to see him back that is no discredit to Brock”, Emmanuel Sanders, wide receiver said. “… We’re a football team and we go about our day that way all the time”.

The Denver Broncos are rumored to be nearing a crossroads, with Peyton Manning continuing to improve from the multitude of injuries that knocked him out earlier this year but no certainty on whether he’ll return to the starting role.

“He’s really had this foot problem that’s been going on for five or six months”, Archie Manning said.

“Half the damn team”, Kubiak said.

The Broncos are heading to Pittsburgh this Sunday to take on the Steelers. On Sunday, he hit career highs in attempts (51), completions (35) and yards (308), but the Broncos lost to the Raiders 15-12 and haven’t scored a touchdown in 23 consecutive possessions over the past two games.

Manning has not put up great numbers this season with just nine touchdowns and 17 interceptions in nine games, but the team is expected to have him back in the starting lineup once he is healthy.

If Osweiler plays well against the Steelers, a potential postseason opponent, Kubiak will be hesitant to give Manning his job back.

“I’m not going to sit here and try to play that whole game with the kid or the Texans or anything like that”, Pagano said. “We have to talk through his situation and see where we are”. I was told to go to the first-team huddle and you’re the starter this week. Though the Broncos are 3-1 in the four games Brock Osweiler has started, continuing with him as the starter is not a given.

Matt Hasselbeckmissed practice Wednesday, yet Colts coach Chuck Paganoremains optimistic the 40-year-old backup will start Sunday’s crucial game against Houston.