The Denver Broncos are doing all they can to try to convince the world there’s not a huge quarterback controversy brewing.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that Peyton Manning isn’t a fan of the idea that he’d be the Broncos’ backup quarterback if and when he gets healthy and returns from a foot injury.
“It is a trying time for Peyton Manning, who has always been a starter his entire career,” Rapoport said on NFL Network’s “GameDay Morning,” per NFL.com. “It does not sound like he is inclined to be Brock Osweiler’s backup. That is one issue and one I’m told he’s pretty serious about.”
That claim was emphatically denied by Manning, who questioned the accuracy of the report.
“It’s a flat-out lie. It’s insulting. And it’s distracting.” Manning told the Denver Post. “That’s 100 percent bull (expletive). No. 1, it is bull (expletive). And No. 2, it’s insulting.
“The worst part about being hurt is that a lot of people seem to know everything about you and speak for you, even when it’s somebody you don’t even know.”
John Elway, the Broncos’ executive vice president and general manager, also refuted Rapoport’s report with a tweet ahead of Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Manning returned to practice last week and traveled with the team to Pittsburgh, but he reportedly suffered a setback while practicing. He also told the Post that he’s willing to take whatever role head coach Gary Kubiak assigns him.
Thumbnail photo via Chris Humphreys/USA TODAY Sports Images
