Coach Gary Kubiak says Manning focused on health
ENGLEWOOD, COLO. The biggest question about Peyton Manning ’s status this week isn’t whether he will play for the Denver Broncos against the San Diego Chargers — because he already has been ruled out — but when he gets the walking cast off his left foot.
That could come early in the week or it might be several days away, coach Gary Kubiak said Monday.
But even then, it won’t be a quick return to the practice field for Manning. Instead, it’ll be back to the training room for more rehab, leaving Brock Osweiler as the Denver starter for the indefinite future.
“The No. 1 guy I’m talking to on a regular basis is Peyton. ... It’s about his health, getting him back and ready to go,” Kubiak said.
So while it could look like a quarterback controversy is brewing now that Osweiler has won his two starts, including a 30-24 overtime victory Sunday night against the New England Patriots, Kubiak insists there is no drama. He’s been in regular contact with Manning, including a long chat before kickoff Sunday, and he said Manning spent time with Osweiler before the game and at halftime.
“His frame of mind has been really good. I think he has a good feeling now of, ‘This is what I needed to do,’ ” Kubiak said.
“He understands the steps he needs to go through. He was very engaged yesterday and the course of the week. We just need to stay positive day-to-day, and he did a great job with Brock yesterday.”
Manning won’t be the only Broncos player spending time in the training room as the team prepares to face the Chargers.
Kubiak said he was considering safety T.J. Ward (ankle), defensive tackle Sylvester Williams (ankle) and right guard Louis Vasquez each to be day-to-day because of injuries they suffered Sunday night, although it currently appears unlikely any of them will be available Sunday against the Chargers.
“It’s going to take some work to get them back,” Kubiak said.
Losing Vasquez in the second quarter forced the Broncos to shuffle their offensive line, including inserting veteran Evan Mathis at left guard in emergency duty while moving rookie Max Garcia from left to right.
Mathis was dealing with an ankle injury suffered last week against the Chicago Bears and was not supposed to play.