It appears the torch has been passed.
Although there was some speculation that Peyton Manning might return to the Broncos’ starting lineup Monday night against the Cincinnati Bengals, FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer reported Sunday morning that Denver now is “Brock Osweiler’s team.”
Manning hasn’t played since Nov. 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Osweiler has filled in, guiding the Broncos to a 3-2 record in five starts. Denver is riding a two-game losing streak going into Monday night’s clash at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Glazer added Sunday that Osweiler has a grade two separated shoulder. The 25-year-old quarterback suffered the injury last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It apparently isn’t enough to sway the Broncos back to Manning, though. It’s hard not to wonder whether Manning has played his final game with the organization that signed him before the 2012 season.
Then again, that’s probably the least of Manning’s concerns right now given the controversy he’s dealing with in the wake of an Al Jazeera report claiming the veteran QB received human growth hormone during his recovery from multiple neck surgeries in 2011.
Thumbnail photo via Jason Bridge/USA TODAY Sports Images
