NFL Notes: Peyton Manning, Packers, Ravens, & Seahawks

Peyton Manning

Broncos QB Peyton Manning denied a report from Al Jazeera that he took HGH during 2011 when he was working his way back from neck fusion surgery. Al Jazeera’s report is set to air Sunday.

Manning released a statement regarding the matter:

“The allegation that I would do something like that is complete garbage and is totally made up. It never happened. Never. I really can’t believe somebody would put something like this on the air. Whoever said this is making stuff up.”

The Broncos released the following statement regarding the report:

“Knowing Peyton Manning and everything he stands for, the Denver Broncos support him 100 percent. These are false claims made to Al Jazeera, and we don’t believe the report.

“Peyton is rightfully outraged by the allegations, which he emphatically denied to our organization and which have been publicly renounced by the source who initially provided them.

“Throughout his NFL career, particularly during his four seasons with the Broncos, Peyton has shown nothing but respect for the game. Our organization is confident Peyton does things the right way, and we do not find this story to be credible.”

Packers

Packers impending free agent K Mason Crosby said that he’s hoping to re-sign with Green Bay during the offseason.

“Obviously, I want to be a Packer. I love playing here. This is all I know. It’s home to me,” Crosby said, via Tom Silverstein of the Journal-Sentinel. “It’s a special place. I would love nothing more than to just continue my career here.”

Ravens

• Jason La Canfora reports that Ravens QB Joe Flacco is already began riding a stationary bike last week and making good initial strides in his recovery from a torn ACL.
• According to La Canfora, Flacco is hopeful of being back to work for training camp and cleared for full contact in time for Week 1.

Seahawks

Ian Rapoport spoke with Marshawn Lynch‘s trainer Tareq Azim about when he’ll return to the team following his abdominal injury.

“This dude is all about, ‘If I eat, everybody eats,’ “ Azim said. “He’s legit. That’s why it’s hard not to support him. So, no, I’m not going to stay closed.”

Regarding when Lynch could be back, Azim said he has no doubts Lynch will be leading the team once he ready to play.

“At the pace he’s going, if he keeps doing what he’s doing, I have no doubts that he’ll be leading the team and the organization when he needs to be there,” Azim said.

“He’s going through some very significant increases in performance and making tremendous strides,” Azim said “My responsibility is to get him to his ideal max state to take this team to the Super Bowl again, but more importantly, to bring him back to full health. That decision will be on him.“