John Elway is disputing claims that Peyton Manning doesn't want to be the backup quarterback for the Denver Broncos.
"Peyton has never told Gary [Kubiak] or myself that he doesn't want to be the backup. Any report or rumor that suggests otherwise is incorrect!!" Elway tweeted Sunday morning. Elway is Executive Vice President of Football Operations/General Manager for the Broncos.
Elway may have been responding to this interview with Ian Rapaport, National Insider for the NFL Network.
Peyton "does not sound like he's inclined to be Brock Osweiler's backup." - @RapSheet https://t.co/1Q5n4Nl9t5
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) December 20, 2015
"It is a trying time for Peyton Manning, who has always been a starter his entire career," Rapaport said.
Complete transcript of @RapSheet's reports on Peyton Manning from @NFLGameDay Morning... pic.twitter.com/WPbFIWRvxK
— NFL Media (@NFLMedia) December 20, 2015
Coach Gary Kubiak said Brock Osweiler will play in the game against the Pittsburg Steelers on Sunday.
Manning has been out since Nov. 15 for a plantar fascia tear in his left foot. Manning returned to the practice field Wednesday for the first time in weeks.
"He looked good in individual work and threw the ball with velocity, and on target," said Denver7 Sports Reporter Arran Anderson.
MORE | Peyton Manning vs. Brock Osweiler: Denver Broncos fans are split after Raiders loss
Manning's father, Former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, says Peyton won’t decide about his future until the end of this season.
In an interview with WDSU-TV in New Orleans, Archie said his son’s injury has been plaguing him since training camp, even though the plantar fascia tear came to light in mid-November.