Denver Broncos coach John Fox called it a nonissue when Peyton Manning missed Wednesday's practice with what the team labeled an ankle injury.
The All-Pro quarterback returned to practice Thursday and plans to play Sunday against the Washington Redskins, but ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that Manning isn't healthy.
The 37-year-old passer is dealing with a pair of ankle sprains suffered in Denver's Week 6 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
A source told Mortensen that Manning suffered the initial ankle sprain on Denver's first play from scrimmage against the Jaguars. The second sprain came on a low hit from Jacksonville pass rusher Jason Babin. Manning further aggravated his banged-up right ankle in Sunday's loss to the Indianapolis Colts, emerging from the game with a high sprain, according to the source.
Dr. Robert Anderson confirmed that neither injury is severe, but Mortensen reported Manning will rely on a painkiller to get through Sunday's meeting with the Redskins.
Dual ankle injuries would explain aspects of Manning's play against Indy. He appeared to struggle after former Colts teammate Robert Mathisbashed him to the turf for a safety. Manning underthrew a handful of passes after the hit, but he also strung together some difficult throws.
Manning downplayed the injury this week, but he's clearly not at full strength. We'll keep a close eye on this.
*We previewed every Week 8 game in the latest "Around The League Podcast." *
