Peyton Manning isn’t ready to hang up the cleats just yet.
The Denver Broncos quarterback reassured several team officials, including general manager John Elway, that he is “physically and mentally prepared to play at a significant level” in 2015, sources told ESPN’s Chris Mortensen on Friday night.
Mortensen’s sources added that both Manning and the Broncos hope to have more “clarity” on the 38-year-old’s future by some time next week.
Manning’s status has been up in the air since the Broncos’ AFC divisional-round loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Elway told the 14-time Pro Bowl quarterback that he wanted him back shortly after that loss, but a report Tuesday from Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole claimed the Broncos are unsure if they want Manning to return in 2015.
Manning, who turns 39 in March, put up his usual gaudy numbers early in the 2014 season but saw a significant drop-off down the stretch while dealing with a nagging quad injury. In Denver’s playoff loss to the Colts, Manning completed just 56.5 percent of his passes for 211 yards and one touchdown.
According to Mortensen, Manning recently received a comprehensive physical evaluation from performance manager and trainer Mackie Shilstone, who gave the quarterback a “strong assessment.”
The Broncos will owe Manning $19 million if he’s on the team’s roster March 9.
Thumbnail photo via Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports Images
