Denver Broncos’ quarterbacks battle for back up job

Peyton Manning’s return to the field was the biggest news surrounding the Denver Broncos’ 31-3 victory over the Chicago Bears in the teams preseason opener on Thursday night. Manning played only one series, marching his team 50 yards in 11 plays before his pass was intercepted near the Bears goal line.

Manning finished the game 4-of-7 passing for 44 yards.

The Broncos backup quarterback role could be one of the best battles throughout preseason as Caleb Hanie, Brock Osweiler and Adam Weber fight for the job to backup Manning.

Hanie took over for Manning in a first-and-goal situation from the 6-yard line, following Manning’s turnover in the first quarter. He moved the Broncos 4 yards backward before Matt Prater kicked a field goal.

Hanie finished the night 7-of-14 passing for 79 yards. He completed a 20-yard pass to tight end Cornelius Ingram which led to a 2-yard touchdown run by Lance Ball on a seven-play, 57-yard scoring drive giving the Broncos a 10-0 lead.

Brock Osweiler went 4-of-7 passing with 38 yards and one touchdown, he led the Broncos on two scoring drives.

Adam Weber finished the game going 2-of-5 passing for 42 yards after he threw a 25-yard touchdown pass on his first pass.

With Manning’s health still a question mark the Broncos will need a solid backup quarterback, it wasn’t Caleb Hanie on Thursday.