Christian Ponder Waived by Broncos: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

In perhaps the latest promising sign in Peyton Manning's recovery, the Denver Broncos waived veteran quarterback Christian Ponder on Tuesday. 

The news came via Andrew Mason of the Broncos' official website. Ponder, 27, was the Broncos' third-string quarterback behind starter Brock Osweiler and backup Trevor Siemian. He was signed amid news of Manning's plantar fascia tear but was not activated for consecutive wins over the New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers.

Manning, 39, will not play on Sunday against the Oakland Raiders. However, head coach Gary Kubiak said the signal-caller is expected to begin a throwing regimen during practice—although that won't include team-related activities.          

"Could change, but right now we might go into a modified small workout with him," Kubiak said, per Cameron Wolfe of the Denver Post.

Osweiler has led the Broncos to three straight wins in as many starts. He's thrown for 832 yards and five touchdowns against three interceptions overall, performing admirably in a tough spot. While his numbers aren't jaw-dropping, his ability to take care of the football puts him leaps and bounds above Manning, whose 17 interceptions are still an NFL-high.

Osweiler's emergence lessened the need for Ponder, who if anything was a last-resort option. The Broncos can now trim their roster of unnecessary fat at quarterback—they'd carried four the last two weeks—with faith that Manning will be back soon enough, whether as a starter or a backup.

As for Ponder, it's looking increasingly like his NFL career is over. A team might take another short-term chance on him, but the former first-round pick has been cut twice this season without throwing a pass and failed to live up to his billing with the Vikings in Minnesota. His pedigree might be enough to get him another look, but nothing he's shown on the NFL level should engender faith.

Follow Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) on Twitter.