The Denver Broncos are not totally ready to dive into quarterback controversy just yet. While head coach Gary Kubiak has stressed that Peyton Manning is the starting quarterback of the Broncos, Brock Osweiler is the one winning games in the veteran's absence. Things could get interesting when Manning is ready to return, but the Broncos stress that is not happening just yet.
According to the Denver Post, Manning has gotten back to the practice field for extensive throwing sessions, but he is not close to getting back into a game. The veteran quarterback is out of the boot he was placed in while healing from a partially torn plantar fascia so that is positive progress, but Kubiak stressed that Manning is still a ways off from getting into a game.
"He worked out briefly [Wednesday] morning," Kubiak said, via ESPN.com. "[He] did about a half-hour throwing, went through some drill work and stuff. We're going day-to-day with that and see how he comes out of each day. We'll see how he comes out of each day. We'll just take it day to day. ... We've got a good little process going right now; we'll stick to it throughout the course of the week."
For now the slow recovery for Manning is likely a relief for the Broncos. It is no secret the quarterback has not been playing well. In his most recent game he threw for 35 yards and four interceptions. Osweiler has stepped in and kept the team winning. According to ESPN.com, Osweiler has already been named the starter for Week 14 and could continue like that until at least the postseason.
For now, the biggest issue for the Broncos could be the injury to CJ Anderson and not Manning. The running back suffered an ankle injury and is limited heading into Week 14. That could be a big blow for the Broncos who have been benefitting from the success of the back over the past few weeks. To make matters worse. Ronnie Hillman is also dealing with a foot injury. That would mean Juwan Thompson is the starter for Week 14 which is not ideal for Osweiler. Hillman's injury does not appear to be as severe as Anderson's which means he might be able to play against the Oakland Raiders.
"We have to establish our dominance as being the Broncos," Hillman said, via ESPN.com. "We have to continue to win and just keep winning and keep stacking them ... I think we can do that if we keep running the ball like we have been, just staying with it."
The good news for Osweiler is that the receiving group is healthy. Vernon Davis is dealing with an injury, but outside of the tight end, everyone is healthy which means Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders could have big games against the inconsistent Raiders' secondary.
