Broncos QB Peyton Manning out until at least mid-December

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is expected to be out of action at least until mid-December because of a torn plantar fascia his foot, leaving the job to Brock Osweiler for the near future.

Manning, 39, had already been ruled out of Sunday's game against the New England Patriots before visiting a foot specialist in Charlotte on Monday.

After that visit, Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak said on the Broncos' official website that Manning will "unavailable for at least a couple of games."

Manning will wear a walking cast on his left foot for about a week, hoping that will speed up his recovery.

Osweiler now has the task of keeping the Broncos in good position for the playoffs.

Denver has a three-game lead in the AFC West, and its first two games in December are against the San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders.

The Broncos plan to work out free agent quarterback Christian Ponder as a possible backup for Osweiler.