It was a great sight for the Denver Broncos last Wednesday as franchise quarterback Peyton Manning practiced for the first time since sitting out last month due to a plantar fascia tear that already sidelined him for four games this season.
According to ESPN, Manning participated in individual drills, a 7-on-7 drill, and was the quarterback during a practice for the Broncos' starting defense.
Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak said in a conference that what Manning did last Wednesday was a "step back in the right direction."
Kubiak added that they are taking everything week-by-week and are committed to playing this Sunday versus the Steelers, when interim starting quarterback Brock Osweiler will be having his fifth start this season, replacing the recovering Manning.
Manning sustained the injury in their Nov. 8 loss to the Indianapolis Colts but according to his father, Archie Manning, the foot is troubling his son for months now.
In an interview with WDSU's Lionel Bienvenu, Archie said Thursday, "He's really had this foot problem that's been going on for five or six months."
Despite the injury and the layoff he has had, Archie said his son is not planning to leave the game soon.
"He's not going to think about retirement right now. He's trying to get well. He wants to get well. He's got a team there that's in the middle of a playoff run he wants to help. If he gets back on the field, he wants to be ready," Archie stated.
Manning, 39, has been in the National Football League (NFL) since getting drafted in 1998 and is playing his fourth season with the thriving Broncos.
As the veteran quarterback shows great progress in his recovery, it is likely that he misses their remaining regular season games and return when they play in the postseason.
Currently, the Broncos are first in the American Football Conference (AFC) West with a 10–3 record.
