Broncos waive QB Christian Ponder, Manning on the mend?

The Denver Broncos announced they have waived QB Christian Ponder and signed OT Cameron Jefferson to the practice squad. They also released OT Antonio Johnson from the practice squad…

It was a short-lived stay in Denver for quarterback Christian Ponder, who has been waived by the team, the Broncos announced on Tuesday.

Ponder, the former 2011 first round pick of the Minnesota Vikings, was signed as an emergency third quarterback in case the Broncos needed someone while Peyton Manning began his recovery from a foot injury that was expected to sideline him at least a month.

We are now approaching Brock Osweiler’s fourth start with the team, and it appears as though Manning is making his way back to the field slowly but surely. This is what Gary Kubiak had to say on Monday:

“Peyton worked hard through the weekend and worked hard today. I just got done talking to [Head Athletic Trainer Steve] Greek [Antonopulos]. I think tomorrow is kind of a rest day for him. Nothing will change this week as far as [QB] Brock [Osweiler] is our starter in what we’re doing. The thought is that maybe starting Wednesday, depending on how things go, [Manning will] start to throw, we start to do a little bit on the field type of stuff. We’re working toward some football things this week, but it has been a good weekend for him and I know he’s feeling better.”

That’s great to hear in regards to the future Hall of Fame quarterback, who is also just one win away from breaking Brett Favre’s all-time record at the position.

As a result of this move, the Broncos now have an open roster spot where they will be able to add some much needed depth to the safety position, which has lost T.J. Ward and David Bruton in consecutive weeks. Omar Bolden is listed as a safety, but in reality, the only true safeties on the Broncos’ roster are Josh Bush and starter Darian Stewart, who has been awesome this year.

Now the Broncos will be able to add a player to the defensive backfield.

The team also waived offensive tackle Antonio Johnson from the practice squad, and signed OL Cameron Jefferson. Johnson had signed to the practice squad in September.