Report: Peyton Manning not expected to return before Week 15

A potential timeline for Peyton Manning's recovery from a foot injury is slowly coming into focus, and it's a little longer than first thought.

Confirming the initial two-week expectation was relatively optimistic, the veteran signal-caller's most realistic target date is currently considered the Denver Broncos' Week 15 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Manning will reportedly wear a cast for the next 10 days, then face another week of rehab before trying to receive clearance for game action.

While the future Hall of Famer appears to have a realistic chance of returning well in advance of the postseason, whether he regains his starting job when he does is an entirely different discussion.

Denver can be expected to use the upcoming games as an audition of sorts for Brock Osweiler, and if he continues to have success in the lead role, it would be difficult for the coaching staff to justify another change.

The former second-round pick was effective in the first start of his NFL career last week, leading the way to a win over the Chicago Bears with 250 passing yards and two touchdowns.

Osweiler will again be under center Sunday night as the Broncos look to hand the New England Patriots their first loss of the season.