Peyton Manning returns to practice

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Peyton Manning returned to practice for the first time in 32 days but not to his starting job. That still belongs to Brock Osweiler for now.

“It was a little strange to watch Peyton take those scout team reps today,” Osweiler said after Wednesday’s workout.

Coach Gary Kubiak ruled out Manning for Sunday’s showdown at Pittsburgh, but said the five-time MVP took a “step in the right direction” in his return from a torn plantar fascia in his left foot.

Manning threw tight spirals without any apparent difficulty or pain during the brief media viewing period.

Osweiler, who gets his fifth start Sunday, said it was strange taking first-team snaps and watching

Osweiler has gone 3-1 in Manning’s place. The only loss came last week at home to Oakland even though Osweiler completed a career-best 35 passes and posted his first 300-yard passing game.

The Broncos (10-3) practiced indoors following a heavy snowstorm.

They travel to Pittsburgh (8-5) Sunday. It’s the only game this weekend pitting teams with winning records.