It’s been known since Monday that Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning won’t play on Sunday against the Bears. On Friday, coach Gary Kubiak said Peyton won’t even make the trip.
The decision represents an extension of the approach taken by the team all week. As explained by Mike Klis of 9news.com, Kubiak excused Manning from all meetings, practices, and games so that he could focus on rehabilitating and recovering from his injuries.
That’s a more ominous vibe than what emerged from a Thursday night report from James Palmer of NFL Media, who accurately explained that Manning hasn’t attended meetings or practices -- and added that Manning hasn’t spoken to Brock Osweiler about the game plan.
Klis, however, explains that Manning told Osweiler on Monday, “Go win this game for us. If you need anything I’m here for you.”
The various reports create dueling impressions regarding whether Manning is or isn’t trying to help Osweiler. Manning definitely needs to focus on getting himself healthy. But he also definitely has wisdom and advice that could be given to Osweiler in advance of his first start. Then again, he definitely has no incentive to help Osweiler play so well that the Broncos would stick with Osweiler and keep Manning on the bench.