As long as Peyton Manning is injured, the starting job for the Denver Broncos belongs to Brock Osweiler by default, but the problems for Manning are likely to give the 2012 second-round pick multiple weeks to show what he brings to the table.
Brock Osweiler likely to get multi-week audition as starter
Foot, shoulder and rib injuries for Peyton Manning mean Brock Osweiler will likely be a starter for multiple weeks.
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Manning, 39, is dealing with a torn plantar fascia in his foot and lingering rib and shoulder injuries. While an MRI showed that the rib injury for Manning is just a strain, he’s dealing with pain from all of the injuries and is likely to miss multiple weeks, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Manning didn’t travel with the team to Chicago for Week 11 and will stay in Denver to rehab.
Even if he was healthy, finding out how capable Osweiler is of leading the Broncos offense is something that is in the Broncos’ best interest. The fourth-year quarterback is in a contract year and threw 24 passes in relief of Manning in Week 10 after throwing just 30 passes in the first three seasons of his career.
When the Broncos hired head coach Gary Kubiak instead of promoting offensive coordinator Adam Gase, a message was sent that the team was preparing for a future without the 14-time Pro Bowler. And with one of the NFL's elite defenses on a 7-2 team, Osweiler will have every opportunity to be another example of a backup quarterback taking over the reins of a good team in the middle of a season and finding success.
After facing the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Osweiler will now likely be the starter for the Broncos in Week 12 for a home game against the New England Patriots. The Bears are No. 8 in total defense and No. 4 against the pass, while the Patriots are No. 4 in points allowed, despite being No. 22 against the pass. If Osweiler is given a third week, he'll face the No. 24 defense of the San Diego Chargers who are No. 17 against the pass.
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