Broncos sign Christian Ponder with Peyton Manning still out

The Denver Broncos signed free-agent quarterback Christian Ponder, the team announced Wednesday.

With Peyton Manning reportedly expected to miss at least two more weeks as he continues to work through a foot injury, the Broncos will presumably groom Ponder as the No. 2 signal-caller behind Brock Osweiler.

Trevor Siemian, a seventh-round rookie, will likely continue to serve in that role until the veteran can gain an understanding of Gary Kubiak's offensive system.

Ponder spent the first four seasons of his career with the Minnesota Vikings after joining the club as a first-round draft selection in 2011.

He became a free agent for the first time this past offseason when the Vikings declined the fifth-year option on his rookie deal, joining the Oakland Raiders for training camp and preseason work before again hitting the open market during roster cutdowns.

The Broncos placed defensive end Kenny Anunike on season-ending injured reserve in a corresponding move to clear space on the 53-man roster.