Brock Osweiler got introduced to Khalil Mack in a rough way as the quarterback was sacked more times than not in the loss to the Oakland Raiders. The backup quarterback had his first bad game of the season which is now bringing into question whether or not Peyton Manning should see time on the field in Week 15. With the race to the playoffs in full swing, the Broncos cannot afford a step back as head coach Gary Kubiak considers all options.
According to Kubiak via the Denver Post, Manning is day-to-day as he heals from the partially torn plantar fasica. Kubiak told the media that he needs to speak with Manning before naming a starter for Week 15 against the Pittsburgh Steelers which means the veteran could be on the field is healthy.
I've got to see where he's at, we've got to talk through our situation and see where's he at,'' Kubiak said, via the Denver Post. " ... We went through a good week last week, gave him a weekend off, so we'll see where he's at. We'll have a plan in place by the time we get to Wednesday.''
Manning has been progressing since the injury. The quarterback told the media he has been throwing with his foot out of the walking boot. He has yet to fully participate in a team practice, but if he can get on the field, the Broncos could take the chance. According to Mike Klis of 9News Denver, the expectation is that Osweiler gets another start despite the coyness from Kubiak. Manning has not fully practiced all month which means it is highly unlikely he is ready in time to be the best option at the position. Instead, Osweiler will be the one facing a Steelers team with all the momentum right now.
With a true road test approaching, the Broncos need to improve. The run game totaled just 34 yards as CJ Anderson was held out with an ankle injury. The team needs the running back to return in order to get their ideal rotation with Ronnie Hillman. Without him, things on the ground never took off. Demaryius Thomas also needs to step up. The receiver did get 10 catches for 95 yards in Week 14, but his drops shadowed over that. The receiver failed to bail out Osweiler multiple times. Vernon Davis also had key drops despite getting seven catches for 74 yards in the game.
