Manning takes ‘step in the right direction’
Broncos quarterback still not ready to return to lineup
Peyton Manning returned to practice for the first time in a month but not to his starting job. That still belongs to Brock Osweiler, for at least another weekend.
Coach Gary Kubiak ruled out Manning for the Denver Broncos’ showdown at Pittsburgh. But he said Manning took a “step in the right direction” in his return from a torn plantar fascia in his left foot Wednesday.
Kubiak said the plan was to increase Manning’s workload Thursday. He wasn’t about to prognosticate an eventual return to the lineup.
“No, I couldn’t make a judgment” based on one practice, Kubiak said. “I think it’s another step in the process, and it was a good step. I think it’s about the week, really, more than about the day.”
Osweiler will make his fifth start in place of Manning when the Broncos (103) visit the Steelers (8-5).
Colts: Andrew Luck went back to work but still isn’t ready to play. Matt Hasselbeck missed practice, yet coach Chuck Pagano remains optimistic the 40year-old backup quarterback will start Sunday’s crucial game against Houston.
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.
So a game that will split a tie atop the AFC South will come down to a battle of backups. Houston coach Bill O’Brien said his starter, Brian Hoyer, will miss the game after being diagnosed with his second concussion in less than a month. So the Texans (67) will go with backup T.J. Yates.
The Colts (6-7) will go with either Hasselbeck, who is still trying to recover from rib and neck injuries, or third-string quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, who has been with the team for only five weeks.
Patriots: New England placed running back LeGarrette Blount on seasonending injured reserve, and the defending Super Bowl champions again are looking for replacements in the backfield.
Blount left Sunday’s game against Houston in the first half with a hip injury and did not return. He joins Dion Lewis, who was injured against Washington on Nov. 8.
The Patriots added Montee Ball to the practice squad Tuesday, a week after bringing in Trey Williams, who has been signed, cut, signed and cut in nine days. Coach Bill Belichick wouldn’t comment on reports that the team was looking at Steven Jackson, who has not played in the NFL this season.
Brandon Bolden is the current starter. Against Houston, he matched his career high with 16 carries. He has just 35 carries this season. James White is the only other running back on the roster.
Seahawks: Seattle’s search for a primary running back until Marshawn Lynch returns took an unexpected twist. Christine Michael, who was traded to Dallas at the end of training camp, was signed after he was released from Washington’s practice squad. With Lynch still sidelined after abdominal surgery last month and Thomas Rawls lost for the season to a broken ankle, the Seahawks are turning to the combination of Michael, Bryce Brown and potentially fullback Derrick Coleman to fill the spot for at least this week against Cleveland. Coach Pete Carroll said he plans to keep Fred Jackson as his thirddown back.
Bills: Starting cornerback Stephon Gilmore was placed on season-ending injured reserve because of a dislocated shoulder.