Report: Peyton Manning not interested in backing up Osweiler

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, who will miss Sunday’s game with a foot injury, is reportedly not interested in backing up Brock Osweiler.

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, who will miss Sunday’s game with a foot injury, is not interested in backing up Brock Osweiler, who has started in his place, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport.

According to the report, Manning will not return to the sidelines until he is able to get “real backup reps” in practice. Rapoport called the situation “very uncomfortable and difficult.”

After Sunday’s loss to the Steelers, Manning told ESPN’s Jeff Legwold the report was “bulls--t” and “insulting.”

Manning returned to practice this week, but was still experiencing soreness in his foot and had to miss practice on Friday. This puts his Week 16 status in jeopardy.

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Broncos executive vice president of football operations and general manager John Elway denied the report early Sunday.

“Peyton has never told Gary or myself that he doesn't want to be the backup,” Elway wrote on Twitter. “Any report or rumor that suggests otherwise is incorrect!!”

In five games this season, Osweiler has completed 63.5% of his passes for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns, with three interceptions and a fumble. Denver is 3–2 since he took over for Manning in Week 10 against the Chiefs.

- Kenny Ducey