Peyton Manning is out of the lineup and off the grid for the Denver Broncos.
NFL Media's James Palmer reported on NFL Network's TNF Gameday that Manning, who has been ruled out of Sunday's matchup against the Bears, hasn't attended any practices or meetings this week and hasn't had a single conversation about Sunday's game plan with Brock Osweiler, the fourth-year quarterback set to make his first career start.
Palmer has spoken to more than two dozen Broncos players. Each one has said they've heard of no timetable for a potential Manning return. Teammates don't even know the specifics of Manning's injury issues, though several assumed the foot is the primary concern. He underwent an MRI on his rib cage Monday, but Broncos coach Gary Kubiak told Palmer the results were negative.
According to Palmer, Broncos coach Gary Kubiak prefers Manning puts his full focus on treatment and getting healthy. Denver officials haven't decided if Manning will make the trip to Chicago this weekend.
On the Monday, Kubiak and Manning will sit down and determine whether he is healthy enough to play against Tom Brady and the undefeated New England Patriots on Nov. 29.
