Report: Peyton Manning Suffered A Partially Torn Quad In Week 15
By Brett Gering
Update: Jan. 12 at 11:06 a.m. CT
According to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer, Peyton Manning was hampered by a deep bruise in his other quad as well.
I reported on FOX Sat. AND Sun Peyton Manning actually had injuries to BOTH quads - strain (or partial tear) in one & deep bruise in other
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) January 12, 2015
–End of Update–
On the heels of the Denver Broncos’ loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Peyton Manning’s health served as the elephant in the room. A day later, ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed widespread suspicions, reporting that the future Hall of Famer tore his right quad in Week 15’s win over the San Diego Chargers:
Broncos QB Peyton Manning played Sunday’s Divisional Playoff loss and the past month of the season with a torn right quad, per two sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 12, 2015
Peyton Manning initially tore his right quad Dec. 14 in win over Chargers, per sources. MRI back in Denver confirmed tear.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 12, 2015
Obviously, Manning has never had a rocket launcher for a right arm. That being said, his velocity has noticeably regressed over the past month.
CBS’ Vic Lombardi, however, disputes that it was a complete tear:
The Broncos diagnosed Manning with a strained quad (yes, a strain is a partial tear). Had it been a full tear, he would not have played.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) January 12, 2015
So to call it a "torn quad" is misleading. You don't play football with a torn quad.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) January 12, 2015
He also hinted that Denver players had known about the injury long before this weekend:
Got a sense from that locker room that players weren't overly shocked by the results. Now we know why. They knew. Explains a lot I guess.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) January 12, 2015
Manning’s on-field woes began well before Week 15. Two weeks prior, he completed only 17 of 34 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns versus the Kansas City Chiefs, which, by No. 18’s standards, was a subpar outing.
Could this spell the end of Manning’s career and the start of the Osweiler era? And even if the former returns to the field, will some of his weapons (Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, Wes Welker, etc.) be compelled to stay in Denver?
For the first time in a long time, Kansas City’s rival has a nervous stomach entering the offseason.