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Manning returns to practice, but Osweiler still the starter

Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Monday, Dec. 28, 2015, in Denver. The Broncos won 20-17 in overtime. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Monday, Dec. 28, 2015, in Denver. The Broncos won 20-17 in overtime. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney) Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Monday, Dec. 28, 2015, in Denver. The Broncos won 20-17 in overtime. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) – Peyton Manning will be active Sunday and serve as Brock Osweiler’s backup when the Denver Broncos try to secure their fifth consecutive AFC West title and a first-round bye by beating San Diego.

Coach Gary Kubiak said Wednesday that Manning has made enough progress from his foot injury to return to practice.

Manning’s last full practice was Nov. 13 and he last worked out with teammates on Dec. 17 before a setback in his recovery from a torn left plantar fascia.

Kubiak said he has no doubt how Osweiler will handle having a five-time MVP backing him up: just fine.

The unflappable Osweiler is 4-2 as Denver’s starter and could be undefeated if not for dropped passes at critical times in both losses.