The Denver Broncos saw Peyton Manning return to the practice field this week, but Brock Osweiler remains the starter heading into Week 15 as Manning comes back from a foot injury. The Broncos worked out Trent Richardson this week and he could be an option for the team with CJ Anderson and Ronnie Hillman dealing with some injuries.
Manning has been out for a month with a foot injury and Osweiler has been starting in his place for the Broncos, winning three out of four games. According to Mike Klis of KUSA, Manning returned to practice on Wednesday and he ran the scout team for the Broncos during the session. The Broncos have already announced this week that Osweiler will start for the team and that Manning likely would not be active against the Steelers.
Pro Football Talk writes that while Trevor Siemian is slated to be the backup for Osweiler if Manning is not active this week, there is a chance the team could change things up for the next game. Manning potentially could be ready for that matchup against the Bengals in Week 16, but as of now he does not have an official return date for Denver. Kubiak has said that when Manning is healthy enough to play that he will start again over Osweiler.
Manning has not put up great numbers this season with just nine touchdowns and 17 interceptions in nine games, but the team is expected to have him back in the starting lineup once he is healthy. Osweiler has been solid while leading the team to a 3-1 record with Manning out, but over the past two games the offense has not been very productive. Osweiler has five touchdowns and three interceptions in six games played this season and if the offense doesn't get things going this week, it will be an easier decision to bring Manning back once he is ready to play.
The Broncos running game has been up and down this season and the team is coming into Week 15 dealing with some injuries, as CJ Anderson missed the game on Sunday with an ankle issue. Hillman dealt with a foot injury coming into the weekend, but he was able to play against the Raiders. Hillman and the rushing attack did not do much on Sunday and Hillman finished with just 20 yards on 12 carries. Anderson could be back this week, but if not, Juwan Thompson will make up some of the carries.
According to the Denver Post, the Broncos have looked into signing Trent Richardson and the team could potentially bring him in on a futures contract. Troy Renck of the Post reports that the team worked out Richardson and is looking at him as an option for a futures contract, but not likely anything for this season. Richardson previously worked out for the Bills after being let go by the Raiders. Richardson has had a tough run since a strong rookie season, but he is just 25 and still could have some potential in the right team situation.