Head coach Gary Kubiak announced that 2012 second-rounder Brock Osweiler would start last week in place for an injured Peyton Manning, but that Manning would regain the starting job once he was fully healthy.
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“When you have games like this – [Tom] Brady knows everything about us, Belichick knows everything about us”, Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. said.
“It is tough to see any teammate in physical pain; [Peyton] is taking care of it. We just want him to get healthy”.
The Broncos face the New England Patriots on Sunday night in Sports Authority Field at Mile High and face the Chargers in San Diego the following week.
The Broncos play host to the Raiders on December 13, when Manning could return.
In a report by SB Nation, Denver has to trade or release Manning if he is going to play for another team next season. The Broncos have pulled former first round pick Christian Ponder off of the free agency scrap heap and signed him to a one year deal. It has been reported already, by NFL.com, that Osweiler will get the nod again to play against the Patriots as Manning gets a second opinion on his ailing foot.
But that may actually be a good thing for the Broncos based on the way Manning looked prior to his rib injury, or his foot injury, or whatever the team is calling it now.
Osweiler is no franchise quarterback, but he can absolutely hold things down against some easy teams for a few weeks while Manning rehabs his foot.
“Truthfully I haven’t thought about that much”, Brady said about facing the Broncos without Manning.
Kubiak was impressed with his start against the Bears and said, according to ESPN, “It was encouraging for a first start in this league”. Brock Osweiler completed 20 of 27 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Broncos. Kubiak said he’s not necessarily anxious that Manning would need surgery or that his season is over.
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The Broncos did not allow Manning to participate in meetings for practices last week, and the 39-year-old quarterback did not travel with the team to Chicago, instead undergoing treatment at the Broncos’ suburban Denver complex. “I kind of came out here and expected it. What he did is what I expected him to do”. They have been off to a strong start this year and are now leading the AFC West with a record of eight wins and just two losses. “That’s all he talks to me about”.
