Peyton Manning Reportedly Won't Play in Broncos Preseason Opener vs. Seahawks

The Denver Broncos' 2015 preseason slate will get underway Friday against the Seattle Seahawks (10 p.m. ET), but quarterback Peyton Manning won't be under center when his team takes the field.

According to 9News.com's Mike Klis, Manning will sit out the Broncos' first exhibition contest of the summer because Denver doesn't believe the rewards associated with playing a series or two outweigh the risk of a potential injury. 

As a result, fourth-year signal-caller Brock Osweiler is slated to get the start in Manning's place. 

Klis added that standout wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders (hamstring) are also expected to take a seat for Friday's game, but the rest of the first-team offense—including running back C.J. Anderson—will likely suit up alongside Osweiler.

Osweiler didn't start a single game through his first three seasons with the Broncos, and he's attempted a grand total of 30 passes over the course of 13 garbage-time appearances. The former second-round pick connected on the first and only touchdown pass of his NFL career last season. 

And considering the Arizona State product is entering the final year of his rookie deal, per Spotrac, he'll have plenty to play for Friday night.

"General manager John Elway pegged training camp and the preseason as Osweiler's audition," the Denver Post's Nicki Jhabvala wrote. "And although rehearsals have gone smoothly, the curtains will be pulled back Friday in Seattle when the Broncos play the Seahawks in Game 1 of the preseason." 

While it's only preseason, Osweiler will be matched up against a Seahawks defense that finished first in opponents' passing yards per game (185.6) and opponents' points per game (15.9) a year ago. 

In order to solve that stingy unit, he will need to put all he's learned to good use. 

"I've watched Peyton in games," Osweiler said, per Jhabvala. "I've watched Peyton in practice. I've studied his tape — Why did he make this decision? Why did he do this? — so when I'm out there on the field I'm able to take some of those things and don't have to go through those experiences to necessarily learn them."

With his future hanging in the balance, Osweiler has a chance to make a statement thanks to the opportunity Manning's greatness has afforded him.