Report: Peyton Manning will play in 2015 if he passes physical

The Denver Broncos have hired a new coach, but it is starting to look like they will not have to search for a new quarterback in 2015.

Woody Paige of The Denver Post reports that Peyton Manning is planning to return to the Broncos next season if he passes his physical exam. Because of the multiple neck surgeries that Manning had before signing in Denver, his contract with the team requires him to pass an annual physical before the next year of his contract kicks in.

Speculation that Manning could retire began when he looked terrible in Denver’s playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts. It was later revealed that Manning was playing through a significant quad injury, but there were still rumblings that the 38-year-old might be calling it quits after John Fox and the Broncos decided to part ways.

Add in a report about John Elway trying to force Manning out of town and the fact that the Broncos hired a run-first coach in Gary Kubiak and it seemed like Manning’s days in the Mile High City were numbered.

Assuming he passes his physical, Manning has until March 9 to decide if he will play for the Broncos in 2015. Perhaps he realizes his skills are declining and is not opposed to playing in a more run-heavy scheme like the one Kubiak typically uses. Throwing it less than 40 times per game wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing for a quarterback who will turn 39 in two months.