Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning hasn't played since being pulled from a loss on Nov. 15. Getty

The future of Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning remains in doubt as he recovers from a torn plantar fascia in his left foot. According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, Manning won’t be back “anytime soon.”

After visiting Dr. Robert Anderson in North Carolina, Manning refused surgery on his foot but did agree to wear a cast for a week. The cast’s removal could be an indicator of when Manning will be able to play again, according to Nick Jhabvala of the Denver Post.

“The biggest question this week is really going to be about when the cast comes off — does it come off early this week or does it come off at the end of the week?” Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said. “We’ll just take it one day at a time.”

Manning hasn’t played since being pulled from the Broncos’ 29-13 loss to Kansas City on Nov. 15 where it was later revealed that the 39-year-old was dealing with the foot issue in addition to lingering rib and shoulder injuries. He’s missed the last two games, will sit out Denver’s Week 13 game in San Diego, and may be out for the remainder of the regular season or longer. How long seems to be anyone’s guess.

The quarterback situation in Denver has become increasingly convoluted as Brock Osweiler has won both games he’s started in place of Manning, including handing the New England Patriots their first loss. Since taking over for Manning against the Chiefs, Osweiler is 57-of-93 for 666 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. On Sunday night, the 25-year-old was 23-of-42 for 270 yards with one score and one interception but led the Broncos to points on four of their final five drives and eventually the win.

Even if Manning was cleared to play, he might not get the nod over his backup. Should Osweiler maintain his form, Kubiak might be rolling the dice by inserting Manning as starter. Manning as thrown 17 interceptions this season, and has never been a threat to scramble. He has thrown at least one interception in all nine appearances this season, and has not rushed for one yard.

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