MANNING, OTHER VETS, EXPECTED TO SIT IN OPENER

Broncos coach Gary Kubiak tries to balance performance, rest and evaluation in training camp. Reaching the regular-season opener healthy remains paramount, so quarterback Peyton Manning and several other veterans are not expected to play in Friday’s preseason opener at Seattle.

Though Manning wanted to start, Kubiak hinted at his plans on Wednesday as he continues to look through a wider lens.

“Obviously we have some guys with some nicks that have missed some time that we have to make some decisions on,” Kubiak said. “We have a few guys that we’ve talked about that have a lot of birthdays, so we’ll talk about them too.”

Manning’s preference was to play. It is always his preference. But the 39-year-old has adapted to Kubiak’s calls for planned off days this summer. Manning will get his time. In the meantime, the Broncos will begin an important critique of Brock Osweiler, trying to determine if he’s part of a longer-term future entering the final year of his contract.

With C.J. Anderson, the Broncos will look to establish a physical running game and break in three linemen — tackle Ty Sambrailo, left guard Max Garcia and center Matt Paradis — who have never played a regular-season snap in the NFL.

Rookie lessons.

Sambrailo’s entry into the league afforded him little time for adjustment. He immediately was thrown in against veteran linebacker DeMarcus Ware and received early, tough lessons from Von Miller.

Garcia, who was bumped up to the starting unit, is in a similar situation. He gets to face defensive end Malik Jackson, one of the Broncos’ most efficient defenders on the line.

“(He is) definitely one of the more challenging guys that I’ve been against in my whole football career,” Garcia said. “He’s been making me better and telling me things that I need to work on.”

Harris still out.

Cornerback Chris Harris spent another day on the sideline Wednesday, working with trainers on stretching and observing team drills. Harris has been dealing with a nagging hamstring injury, and Kubiak has been cautious in bringing him back.

Sanders returning punts.

Emmanuel Sanders took punt-returning reps for the first time since the start of camp. Specialteams coach Joe DeCamillis said Tuesday the competition for the job remains open and that Sanders’ role as a punt returner would be determined later.

Alumni day.

Fifty former Broncos attended Wednesday’s practice, then joined general manager John Elway and Kubiak on the field for a group photo.

“I’ve stayed in touch with a lot of them. Some of them I hadn’t seen in a while. It’s a tight-knit group. Mr. Bowlen has always kept it a family place,” Kubiak said, referring to owner Pat Bowlen. “When you’re a part of it, you’ll always be a part of it. And that was good evidence of it right there.” Troy E. Renck and Nicki