Peyton Manning injury sees him limited on Broncos-Bengals practice report

With 14 players on the injury report, including their superstar quarterback, one thing is clear: the Denver Broncos could use a break.

How about a first-round playoff bye?

Now that a playoff berth is locked up, the Broncos can clinch a first-round bye in the playoffs with a win against the Cincinnati Bengals. Then they could rest some of those 14 players who appeared on their injury report.

Such as Peyton Manning.

"I think it's good for everybody this time of year," Manning said, referring to the extra day of rest he and the Broncos got thanks to a Monday Night Football slate. "Everybody, not just me, is dealing with different things physically. So if you can get a little extra time to take care of your body, treatment or whatnot, I think guys took advantage of that and hopefully that'll pay off for us."

Manning indicated that the illness that he played through Sunday is behind him, so it's his thigh injury that saw him leave practice after the warmup period and has him officially listed as limited Thursday.

"He's day to day," Broncos coach John Fox said of his quarterback. "Tomorrow is a new day and we'll keep you posted."

Asked if he was going to play Monday, Manning's answer was simple if slightly unsettling.

"I certainly hope so," he said.

Thursday Injury Report

Denver Broncos

Cincinnati Bengals

BOLD-Indicates change in status

STATUS DEFINITIONS:
Out - player definitely will not play
Doubtful - at least 75% chance player will not play
Questionable - 50-50 chance player will not play
Probable - virtual certainty player will be available for normal duty