Peyton Manning returns to practice, Osweiler still the starter

Wednesday will be his first practice with the team in a month.

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.

“It was good to see him back”, Sanders said.

According to the report, Manning will not return to the sidelines until he is able to get “real backup reps” in practice. The Broncos might try to limit his work again this week, as he has struggled with the ankle since the win over the Bears on November 22.

On Monday, Kubiak hinted at his plans for his QBs, but said he wasn’t prepared to say if Manning could return to practice or whether Osweiler would start against the Steelers (8-5). He isn’t anticipated to play this weekend-Brock Osweiler continues to be the starter, however in all probability not for lengthy.

Kubiak had previously said that his meeting with Manning would be important to determine where the team would go next.

Manning was walking around after practice without any limp and Kubiak said Manning would make the trip “and be a part of everything we’re doing and he’ll be on the sidelines, I’d assume”.

The Pittsburgh Steelers sport a dynamic offense, but feels like the pressure is on Denver’s offense rather than the Broncos defense, considering the offense’s poor showing last weekend against Oakland. He just led the Broncos on a game-tying, 85-yard touchdown drive in the first quarter in which he was 3 of 3 passing on third down, including an 18-yard strike to Demaryius Thomas for the score. Osweiler has been solid while leading the team to a 3-1 record with Manning out, but over the past two games the offense has not been very productive. But Manning has made enough progress to get back on the football field. However, the time to make a final decision is fast approaching.

Manning will miss his fifth consecutive game Sunday as he recovers from a tear in his left heel. “I have a lot of faith in both of those guys”, Green said.