Broncos to stick with Osweiler
Broncos coach Gary Kubiak informed the team Wednesday that Brock Osweiler will make his sixth straight start on Monday night when Denver (104) hosts the Bengals (113).
Peyton Manning hasn’t played since Nov. 15 because of a torn plantar fascia in his left foot. Manning returned to practice last week but spent his two days on the field doing individual drills and running the scout team. He didn’t practice Friday because of soreness. The Broncos are 32 with Osweiler. SAINTS: Coach Sean Payton says it remains unclear whether quarterback Drew Brees will play in Sunday’s home finale against the Jaguars. Brees injured his right foot in Monday night’s loss to Detroit, but never missed a snap.
BILLS: Mario Williams insists he’s simply stating a fact and not intending to be critical when suggesting the Buffalo personnel doesn’t fit coach Rex Ryan’s defensive scheme.
As for whether he is the right fit, the Bills’ top passrusher answered by referring to how Buffalo’s defense has failed to play to its highpriced expectations.
CHIEFS: Linebacker Tamba Hali broke his right thumb last Sunday in Baltimore and had surgery this week, though the Pro Bowl selection has not been ruled out for their game against Cleveland.
BEARS: Running back Matt Forte just wants a little respect from the Bears — to go with another contract. Forte on Wednesday said he wants to return to the team next year for a ninth season at age 30 even though past attempts to get management interested have failed.
DOLPHINS: Safety Reshad Jones was outspoken Wednesday in expressing indignation about being left off the Pro Bowl, while defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh declined to talk about his own disappointment. “Next question,” Suh said. Suh, who made the Pro Bowl each of the past three years, was left off the squad announced Tuesday but chosen as an alternate.
Jones was not among the five safeties chosen, even though he’s the only NFL player with at least five interceptions and more than 100 tackles.
“We can’t be going off play and production, because my numbers are double those guys’ numbers,” Jones said. “It was about social media and just being popular, just who has the biggest name.”