For the first time in over a month, the Denver Broncos were given the task of answering questions about 18-year veteran Peyton Manning.

Manning practiced this week for the first time since being pulled from the Nov. 15 game against Kansas City and posting an abysmal 0.0 total QBR; it was later brought to the attention of Denver media that Manning had torn his plantar fascia the week prior against Indianapolis. The Sheriff was held out of Friday’s practice due to his foot being “sore” and has been officially ruled out for Sunday’s pivotal matchup against the red-hot Pittsburgh Steelers.

“He came in this morning and he was a little sore, so we just said, ‘Okay, we’ll stop for the weekend,’ and we’ll go from there,” head coach Gary Kubiak said after practice Friday. “We’ll pick it back up on Monday, but it was nothing—it just happens. That’s the decision we made with what we were doing today.” When asked if practice being held outside had anything to do with the decision, Kubiak said, “No, that had nothing to do with it.”

Kubiak went on to explain that Manning will travel with the team and will be involved with all team activities. “He’ll make the trip and be a part of everything that we’re doing. He’ll be on the sidelines—I would assume—the sidelines or press box. One or the other, but I would imagine that it would be the sidelines.”

“His progression from one day to the next has been good,” Kubiak said.

Even Manning himself is eager to return to the gridiron, but knows it will take time to heal. “I’d been having some symptoms that I’ve been dealing with,” Manning said. “It’s been going on for a little bit of time. Timelines and all that are kind of irrelevant. It bothers me now.”

Archie Manning, New Orleans Saints legendary quarterback and father to both Peyton and Eli Manning, told WDSU-TV in New Orleans this week about the injury that has sidelined his future hall of fame son. “He’s really had this foot problem that’s been going on for five or six months, he’s not going to think about retirement right now,” Archie Manning stated. “He’s trying to get well. He wants to get well. He’s got a team there that’s in a playoff run he wants to help. If he gets back on the field, he wants to be ready.”

With Manning officially out Sunday, fourth-year standout Brock Osweiler will see his fifth straight start for the orange and blue. Denver has gone 3-1 with Osweiler under center and has played well; not counting the second half debacle that was the home loss against the Raiders last week.

Osweiler has thrown for 1,140-yards and five touchdowns with three interceptions.

The defensive side of the ball will also have notable players watch from the sidelines. Both safeties T.J. Ward and Omar Bolden will have been ruled out with an ankle and hamstring respectively. Ward was quoted saying that Pittsburgh was hot because “they haven’t seen us yet” and will have to wait at least another week to back up his words.

This feels like a must-win for both teams. Kansas City is the hottest team in the NFL right now and is only two games back of the Broncos in the AFC West. Pittsburgh is currently on the outside looking in at the postseason and playing their best football of the season.

Pittsburgh has scored at least 30 points in five straight games; a franchise record. The only team in the NFL this season to not allow a 30-point performance; the Denver Broncos.

On a side note, defensive end Malik Jackson was held out of practice Friday for the birth of his first child. “I missed practice and had my first child. It was a beautiful scene. She’s nice and healthy. It was just a blessing to see her. Now it’s time to go back to work.” Jackson will play Sunday.