An “uncomfortable and difficult situation.” That’s how Ian Rapoport describes the Denver Broncos’ quarterback situation.
As Peyton Manning continues to heal — slowly, it appears — the question of what Denver does with their future Hall of Fame quarterback once he’s healthy enough to return only grows. For some, the belief is that Brock Osweiler has done enough to earn the job going forward; for others, Manning provides the highest upside for a team craving a Super Bowl championship.
Either way, though, Rapoport says that Manning IS NOT okay with being Brock Osweiler’s backup.
Peyton Manning not interested in being Brock Osweiler's backup in Denver. (via @RapSheet) https://t.co/SVQfR9HQyz
— NFL (@NFL) December 20, 2015
Now, there are a couple of interesting things to take away from this report: (1) That Manning will not be willing to hold the clipboard and support from the sidelines once healthy, and (2) that not only did Manning not do much work at all during practice this week, but that he suffered a setback on Friday, too.
This does leave the Broncos in a really tough spot; the quarterback position isn’t exactly one you can mess around with.
—- UPDATE —-
Almost immediately after Ian Rapoport’s report, John Elway took to Twitter to shut down the idea that Manning doesn’t want to be Osweiler’s backup — emphatically, in fact.
Peyton has never told Gary or myself that he doesn't want to be the backup. Any report or rumor that suggests otherwise is incorrect!!
— John Elway (@johnelway) December 20, 2015
Broncos vice president of public relations, Patrick Smyth, also categorically denied the repot and offered his commentary on the segment.
@MileHighSports 100 percent wrong. Entire segment was sloppy, inaccurate and poorly produced.
— Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) December 20, 2015