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Peyton Manning misses second straight practice

By Hayden Kane

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) enters the field before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) enters the field before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos‘ quarterback Peyton Manning missed his second straight practice this week as his team prepares for the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.

If there is one NFL player who loves practice, it is Peyton F. Manning. That man knows how to practice, and when he’s not doing that, he’s either filming commercials or watching film. But when he practices, Manning feels at home. He is at peace with the world.

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Even if the Broncos have a bye week before the divisional round of the playoffs, you know that it would take something at least semi-serious to keep Peyton Manning out of practice. Not letting Manning practice is like not letting Skip Bayless spit some hot takes or not letting Johnny Manziel stay out late at parties.

These guys just don’t feel right when they can’t do their favorite things.

Manning missed practice for the second straight day on Wednesday, according to the Denver Post. The reason for Manning’s absence is a balky thigh that has been bothering him since the team’s week 15 game against the San Diego Chargers. For his part, the veteran quarterback says that resting is the right thing to do.

“I’m trying to take advantage of the time (off), trying to get some time to get to feeling better, and a lot of guys have done the same thing,” Manning said, as quoted in the Denver Post. “Hopefully that serves us well and everybody will be ready to go and get back to practice next week.”

Peyton Manning’s ability to look like himself looms as one of the most important stories in this year’s playoffs. The defending AFC champions appear to have a balanced and talented roster everywhere else; surprisingly enough, it was Manning who struggled in the final weeks of the regular season.

That has raised concern about Manning’s health and has breathed life into any number of hot takes about whether or not he is done.

It was with that uncertainty in mind that the Broncos played with an extra level of urgency against the Oakland Raiders in week 17. They needed to win to earn a bye, and clearly the team saw the importance of giving their 38-year-old quarterback some time to rest and heal before attempting to make another run to the Super Bowl.

Manning played all 16 games this season, throwing for 4,727 yards, 39 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Most guys would take that as their “down” season  in terms of overall numbers, but it is Manning’s struggles in the games leading up to the playoffs that have people monitoring his status and wondering if he can lead the Broncos on another deep playoff run.

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