Peyton Manning has minor setback in recovery

QB Peyton Manning returned to practice Wednesday.

Asked Monday for his plan for Manning this week, Kubiak said he wanted to talk to Manning first.

Over the past month Manning has had his left foot immobilized – first in a cast and then in a walking boot – for two weeks before restarting his rehab.

Charlie Whitehurst, who finished last week’s loss at Jacksonville, operated the first-team offense on Wednesday for the Colts as they prepare for a Sunday showdown with divisional co-leader Houston.

Manning, 39, has been in the National Football League (NFL) since getting drafted in 1998 and is playing his fourth season with the thriving Broncos.

“Every time we put the defense in a bad situation, I know I didn’t hear those guys saying anything negative on the way out”, Green said. Osweiler has five touchdowns and three interceptions in six games played this season and if the offense doesn’t get things going this week, it will be an easier decision to bring Manning back once he is ready to play. Those two practices represented his most extensive work since he left the Chiefs game November 15 midway through the third quarter because of a plantar fascia tear.

The Broncos are 3-1 under Osweiler and 7-2 with Manning, although they’ve struggled to reach the end zone no matter who’s taking the snaps. Osweiler was sacked five times in the game and did not throw a touchdown pass, but it was his first 300-yard passing game (308 yards). The team has a championship-quality defense and could have a strong chance to win reach the Super Bowl if Osweiler can continue to offer strong performances.

There was also another familiar face back on the field at practice Wednesday.

Manning’s return to the practice field is the biggest sign of progress he has had as he deals with the foot injury.

In Indianapolis, everything seems to be upside down and the only certainty is this: Luck will miss his fifth straight game, his seventh this season and his second in a row against his hometown team as he recovers from a lacerated kidney and partially torn abdominal muscle.

Brock Osweiler is likely in control of his own destiny at the moment.

The Broncos are going to shut Manning down for the weekend to give him and his foot some extra rest. Richardson previously worked out for the Bills after being let go by the Raiders.