The Denver Broncos have announced that quarterback Peyton Manning will start in the playoffs in the divisional round on Jan. 17, according to the Broncos' team website. Head coach Gary Kubiak met both with Manning and quarterback Brock Osweiler prior to the decision on Thursday, and let them know he will go with the veteran five-time NFL MVP in the playoffs.
Osweiler will serve as Manning's backup in the divisional round and is still dealing with a sprained knee, according Broncos reporter Mike Klis.
Manning made his first return to the field this past Sunday against the San Diego Chargers, and led them to a comeback win, clinching the top seed in the AFC playoff picture. Manning has dealt with injuries throughout the season, and had been out since Nov. 15 with a torn plantar fascia.
Manning led the Broncos to 20 points in the second half against the Chargers, and the ground game began to open up for Denver with the addition of the veteran quarterback. The future Hall of Famer is clearly not at the same level he was during his amazing run to Super Bowl XLVIII, but Kubiak is likely hoping Manning has one last playoff run left in him.
The Broncos will await the lowest seed from the winners of wildcard weekend, and it be interesting to see how the team rallies around the 18-year veteran quarterback.
