Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning will resume practicing on Wednesday, according to Mike Klis of 9News.
Peyton Manning to resume practicing, expected to be inactive Sunday for Broncos, fantasy owners
The Broncos’ veteran signal caller will take the practice field on Wednesday for the first time since Week 10. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Despite his return to practice, Klis added that it is expected that Manning will remain inactive on Sunday. Brock Osweiler has already been declared the team's starter for Week 15, and if Manning is to take the field at any capacity, Week 16 appears to be the more realistic return date. With Osweiler having a dreadful second half during Sunday's loss to the Raiders, it is possible that the Broncos turn to Manning at some point this season once he has reclaimed his health.
Fantasy impact: If the Broncos start Manning again, fantasy owners with Denver's receivers have to be happy about that decision despite Manning's own struggles. Manning averaged 52 yards per game more than Osweiler has, and threw nine touchdowns in nine games, while Osweiler has just five in six. However, it's entirely possible that Manning could remain on the bench if Osweiler has a strong game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, so fantasy owners have to consider the quarterback situation in Denver a fluid one.
Manning would be a QB2 with upside if he took the field Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals, but fantasy owners who make it that far in the playoffs will likely have better options to turn to.
