Denver Broncos and National Football League (NFL) fans may not see veteran quarterback Peyton Manning for a while, as reports suggest that he will likely miss more time than the two weeks he is expected to because of a torn plantar fascia in his left foot.
In a report by The Denver Post, the Broncos have yet to determine a definitive time for Manning's return with head coach Gary Kubiak saying the removal of the cast on the quarterback's foot will be the determining factor.
Manning was in North Carolina last week and visited a specialist who recommended him to wear a cast on the injured foot.
"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," Kubiak said in a press conference.
"The progress has been good. The next step, when he comes out of it, is to get back into the rehab process into the field. We'll just take it a day at a time right now," he added.
Manning has missed their past two games which still resulted in wins over the Chicago Bears in Week 11 and the New England Patriots in Week 12.
Despite the 39-year-old franchise star's absence, backup quarterback Brock Osweiler has been playing well taking up the starting duties.
Still, if Manning will be unable to return soon, it is a huge setback for the Broncos who are leading the American Football Conference (AFC) West with a 9–2 record.
Manning may have been struggling this season but still he is the most important piece to the franchise since joining the team in 2012.
In nine games this 2015 season, Manning has 193 completions for 2,180 yards and nine touchdowns, also throwing 17 interceptions, already two more than his tally last season which was 15.
