The Brock Osweiler era might have to wait another year.
Peyton Manning is working out in New Orleans with an eye toward the 2015 season, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday, per a Broncos source. The 38-year-old QB wants to see where he is physically in the next stage of the evaluation process.
Manning is expected to work with renowned strength and conditioning coach Mackie Shilstone this week, Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune reported.
Shilstone is a specialist in career longevity, most famous for his work with boxers Roy Jones Jr. and Bernard Hopkins.
Manning wants to speak with general manager John Elway and president/CEO Joe Ellis before making a firm and final decision to play. That discussion should happen before the team leaves for the combine next week.
Elway made it clear last month that the Broncos' preference is for Manning to return despite underwhelming late-season game film that left scouts wondering if the future Hall of Famer had reached the end of the line.
Elway's confidence in Manning suggests the quarterback's slump was attributable to a lingering thigh injury rather than a sudden loss of arm strength that will remain a problem going forward.
Manning needs 2,148 yards to break Brett Favre's NFL record for most career passing yards. If he returns and stays healthy, that mark will fall by mid-season.
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