A franchise quarterback will likely return Sunday as the Denver Broncos' Peyton Manning is expected to play in their season closer against the San Diego Chargers, but most probably a backup to current starter Brock Osweiler. 

Manning has missed their past six games because of a torn plantar fascia suffered in a Week 10 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Since being sidelined and working his way to recovery, Manning was replaced by Osweiler as Denver's starting passer and helped the team to a 4–2 record. 

Now that Manning is set to return to action, Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak said last Wednesday, according to ESPN, that their franchise player has recovered enough to be their number two quarterback versus San Diego. 

If Manning plays on Sunday as the backup, it will be the first time in his long and illustrious career in the National Football League (NFL) that the role is given to him. 

Meanwhile, Osweiler is pleased with the trust given to him by Kubiak, saying, according to the Associated Press, "Obviously it means a lot. It shows that Coach believes in me. ... It feels good, but I have a job to do this week and that's where my focus is." 

The game versus the Chargers this Sunday is very important for Denver as a win will secure it the top spot in the American Football Conference (AFC) West heading to the playoffs. 

Currently, the Broncos lead the division with an 11–4 record, but following them are the Chiefs who are at 10–5 and will have the chance to tie them as leaders of the division come Sunday. 

The Chiefs take on the hapless Cleveland Browns and if they win and Denver falls to the Chargers, there will be a tie for the top spot in the AFC West. 

If the Broncos capture the AFC West championship this 2015 season, it will be the fifth consecutive season that they are able to do so.