Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is learning a new offense implemented by a new coaching staff. And as he gets ready for the new season, he won’t be playing at all in the preseason opener.
Mike Klis of 9News.com reports that Manning will skip Friday night’s game against the Seahawks.
Brock Osweiler, a second-round pick in 2012, will start in Manning’s place, giving Osweiler a chance to play with the first-team offensive line, starting running back C.J. Anderson, and starting receiver Emmanuel Sanders. (Per Klis, starting receiver Demaryius Thomas, who missed the entire offseason program while unsigned, also will not play on Friday night.)
Klis explains that the Broncos decided a cameo from Manning didn’t justify exposing him to the Seahawks defense in Seattle. Klis also notes that it will be the first time Manning will skip a preseason opener since 2012, his first year with the team.