Peyton Manning will back up Brock Osweiler in Week 17

The Broncos plan to have Peyton Manning serve as the backup quarterback to Brock Osweiler if he does well in practice this week.

The Broncos plan to have Peyton Manning serve as the backup quarterback to Brock Osweiler against the Chargers on Sunday if he does well in practice this week, head coach Gary Kubiak announced Wednesday.

“It’s the next step we need to take. He hasn't played in [nearly two] months,” Kubiak said.

Manning has a torn plantar fascia in his left foot and has not played since Nov. 15. Osweiler has started the last six games for the Broncos, with rookie Trevor Siemian serving as the backup. 

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The Broncos are 4–2 under Osweiler and clinched a playoff spot with Monday night’s win over the Bengals. 

Manning has never been active as a backup in his 18-year NFL career.

- Dan Gartland