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Peyton Manning back in practice for Denver Broncos

By John Buhler

Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) before the game between the Denver Broncos and the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) before the game between the Denver Broncos and the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Peyton Manning was back in practice as a limited participant Wednesday.

According to Raul Martinez of FOX31 Denver, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning practiced with his team on Wednesday as a limited participant.

Manning has not played for the Broncos since the team’s bad loss at home in Week 10 to their division rival in the Kansas City Chiefs. Though Manning broke the NFL career passing yards record against the Chiefs early in the game, he was an interception machine and has been sidelined with a foot injury for the last month.

In his extended absence, the Broncos have gone 3-1 with fourth-year pro Brock Osweiler under center. The Broncos are 10-3 and a game back of the New England Patriots for the best record in the AFC. They also boast a two-game lead over Kansas City in the AFC West division title race. The Chiefs have won seven straight games and could win out and finish at 11-5.

Though Denver lost to another division rival in the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, 15-12, it seems that the offense of head coach Gary Kubiak works better with Osweiler under center. It is a very conservative game plan for both Kubiak and Osweiler, where Manning would want to line up perpetually in shotgun and go no-huddle almost exclusively.

Manning may have his health back, but expect Kubiak to continue to start Osweiler as he has given the Broncos more balance and effectiveness on offense than they had with Manning. Manning does not have the arm strength to keep defenses honest any more, while Osweiler has enough to keep them on their toes.

With three games left at Pittsburgh, at home versus Cincinnati, and at home against San Diego, Denver needs to win probably two of their final three to not only win the AFC West, but to obtain a first-round bye in the AFC Playoffs. Manning’s improved health may end up being a distraction for the Broncos as they make their playoff push. However if Osweiler struggles versus Pittsburgh, Manning may get another starting opportunity in the final two weeks of 2015.

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