Broncos turn back to Manning for playoffs
Peyton Manning will be the Denver Broncos’ quarterback in the playoffs, coach Gary Kubiak told the team.
Manning, who missed six consecutive starts because of a tear in his plantar fascia near his left heel, was used for 29 plays in relief of Brock Osweiler in the regular-season finale and led the Broncos on four scoring drives in the 27-20 victory.
“I’m just looking forward to being able to contribute,” Manning said Thursday. “No issues coming out of the game Sunday.”
Osweiler was 4-2 as a starter and a key contributor to the Broncos’ earning home-field advantage in the AFC in Manning’s absence.
“It’s a bit of a disappointment,” Osweiler said. “It’s hard to hear you’re not going to be the one playing. ... However, I’m a big team player.’’
Osweiler has never taken a snap in the playoffs. Manning is 11-13 in the playoffs over his 18-year career. That includes an NFL record nine first-game exits, three Super Bowls and one ring.
Back won’t keep Peterson out
Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer says Adrian Peterson’s lower back injury will not keep him from playing in Sunday’s playoff game against Seattle.
Peterson had to leave the game against Green Bay last Sunday with the injury, but was able to return late in the game. He did not practice on Wednesday.
Browns QB Manziel ticketed
Troubled Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel was cited for driving with expired license plates last weekend before he was spotted in Las Vegas.
Manziel was in the NFL’s concussion protocol last week after he got hurt in a Dec. 27 game. He wasn’t required to be at Cleveland’s season finale, but owner Jimmy Haslam said the 23-year-old failed to report to the team’s facility for a required medical assessment.
Favre, Owens among Hall finalists
Brett Favre, Terrell Owens and Alan Faneca are among the 15 finalists for the 2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.
Also making the cut are Morten Andersen, Steve Atwater, Don Coryell, Terrell Davis, Tony Dungy, Kevin Greene, Marvin Harrison, Joe Jacoby, Edgerrin James, John Lynch, Orlando Pace and Kurt Warner.
Colts name new DC
Colts coach Chuck Pagano hired Ted Monachino as his new defensive coordinator. The former Ravens assistant coached linebackers the past four years and outside linebackers in 2010 and 2011, when Pagano also was part of that staff.
Sun-Times wires