Manning returns to practice
WASHINGTON: Denver quarterback Peyton Manning and the man who replaced him at Indianapolis, Andrew Luck, were both back on the practice field on Wednesday following injuries.
Manning was on the practice field with the Broncos for the first time this month in a reserve role to Brock Osweiler, who replaced Manning while the 39-year-old star recovers from a serious foot injury, a torn plantar fascia.
Osweiler will start his fourth game in a row for the Broncos on Sunday at Pittsburgh in place of Manning, who was 7-2 as a starter.
Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said Manning will only start when he is healthy but because he also had sore ribs and issues with his throwing shoulder, it’s not clear when Manning might be termed healthy.
Osweiler lost for the first time last week, 15-12 against Oakland, and was sacked five times.
Luck wore a red non-contact jersey at his workout in Indianapolis, aimed more at throwing practice while he recovered from a lacerated kidney.
Luck says he does not feel fully healed but his replacement, 40-year-old Matt Hasselbeck, missed Wednesday’s practice to rest his injured ribs.
Charlie Whitehurst, who finished last week’s loss at Jacksonville, operated the first-team offence on Wednesday for the Colts.
Indianapolis are preparing for a Sunday showdown with divisional co-leaders Houston.