Peyton Manning Reportedly Targeting A Week 15 Return

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Broncos QB Peyton Manning is targeting Week 15’s game against the Steelers as a return date.

“The official release was that Manning would be out at least two weeks — my understanding is it’s at least three weeks (from playing),” Rapoport said. “Here’s why: He’s going to be in a cast for up to 10 days, then he’s got another week of rehab, and then he’s got to try to get on the field. So the date to circle on your calendar is Dec. 20 against the Steelers. That’s the most realistic date that Manning could be back, but no one has guaranteed to me that he’ll definitely be back on the field, especially if Brock Osweiler is playing well.”

This comes after the Broncos announced that Manning was expected to miss “at least” two weeks with his plantar fascia tear.

“Peyton and I had a good visit today, and we’ve got a plan in place for his recovery,” Head Coach Gary Kubiak said. “His foot will be in a cast for at least a week, but he’ll be able to be part of meetings and do some workouts with the rest of the team.

“We expect him to be unavailable for at least a couple of games. We’ll proceed from there and will continue to support him as he does everything he can to get healthy.”

Denver had already announced Brock Osweiler as their Week 12 starter, but it looks like he’ll get an extended audition before they decide whether or not to go with Manning.

Manning, 39, is in the fourth year of his five-year, $96 million contract that included $18 million guaranteed. He’ll make base salaries of $15 million in 2015 and another $19 million next year.

On the season, Manning has thrown for 2,180 yards while completing 59.9 percent of his passes to go along with nine touchdowns and 17 interceptions.