Peyton Manning, moving away from his typical stoic temperament, clearly was angered by a report Sunday from NFL Media's Ian Rapoport that said Manning has no interest in serving as Brock Osweiler's backup when he's healthy enough to play again.
Following the Broncos second-half collapse against the Steelers, Manning told reporters of his frustrations.
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"Bulls— and insulting," an emphatic Manning said about the report.Broncos executive vice president of football operations and general manager John Elway and coach Gary Kubiak also disputed the report.
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 "That's sad to hear. I'm going to tell you what: Hell no, no way. OK?" Kubiak told reporters. "He's working his tail off to get back on the field, that's what he's doing.''
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Manning resumed workouts on a limited basis Wednesday and Thursday but did not practice Friday after experiencing soreness in his foot, prompting Kubiak to name Osweiler the starter once again.
The Broncos are now 3-3 since Osweiler took over for Manning in Week 10 against the Chiefs, but are in danger of missing the playoffs should they lose one of the two remaining games and the Steelers, Jets and Chiefs each win out.