Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is targeting a Week 15 return, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Peyton Manning targeting a Week 15 return, per report, fantasy value remains low
The Broncos’ veteran quarterback could be well enough to take the field again during the season, but whether his starting job will be available remains to be seen. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Manning visited a specialist to get a second opinion on his partially torn plantar fascia, and was given a two-week timeline to return to the field. However, a Week 15 return would not coincide with that since it would be three weeks after his consultation.
Via NFL.com:
“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 on NFL Network. “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.”
Fantasy impact: Even if Manning is well enough to take the field on Dec. 20, there’s no guarantee that he will have his old starting job waiting for him. If Brock Osweiler continues to play well in Manning’s absence, the Broncos don’t have much reason to hand the keys back to a veteran quarterback who mostly struggled through nine starts.
Fantasy owners will have to monitor the situation on a week-by-week basis, but Manning would be nothing more than a middling QB2 option down the stretch of the season even if he resumes his post as the Broncos’ starting quarterback.
