NFL: Peyton Manning to Play Again in 2016, Broncos Not Interested in Paying Him $19 Million
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is currently sidelined with a torn plantar fascia in his left foot. He suffered the injury during the 29-13 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs last Nov. 16.
Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak announced that Manning's long-time backup quarterback Brock Osweiler will start for the second straight game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, per ESPN. Kubiak also revealed that Manning is in Charlotte, North Carolina to consult with a well-known orthopedic foot specialist, Dr. Robert Anderson.
"We encourage all our players to get a second opinion on those types of things. On Saturday when we were fixing to leave town and he and DeMarcus Ware were in rehab, the decision was made," Kubiak said. In his first NFL start, Osweiler completed 20 of 27 passes for 250 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, leading Denver to a 17-15 win over the Chicago Bears.
The play of Osweiler and the uncertainty of Manning's injury have created a few rumors about the future of the NFL's all-time passing yards record holder. According to NBC Sports, the 39-year-old quarterback is planning to play next season even though there is a belief within the league that the Broncos are not willing to pay Manning the $19 million left on his contract.
He signed a signed a five-year, $96 million contract in March 2012 with the Denver with a guaranteed $58 million, per Spotrac. Manning led the Broncos to the 2014 Super Bowl but lost to eventual champions Seattle Seahawks in a score of 43-8.
"I can just tell you for there to be any rumors or anything he said that his mindset is anywhere other than getting healthy and helping this football team, I can tell you is totally false. I visit with this guy on a regular basis and we talk all the time," Kubiak told NBC Sports.
"That's all he talks to me about. That's all that's important to him right now. That's disappointing. I know how hard he is working to get back and help his football team," he added.
In a report by SB Nation, Denver has to trade or release Manning if he is going to play for another team next season. His former Indianapolis head coach Tony Dungy said that the one-time Super Bowl champion is not considering playing for another team in 2016.
According to CBS Sports, the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns are both interested in adding Manning to their team next season if he has no plans to retire or play with the Broncos.
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