Peyton Manning holds up his new jersey at a press conference last week. (Ed Andrieski/AP Photo)

After missing an entire season of football, Peyton Manning undoubtedly has some catching up to do. Forget the neck surgeries and the fact that he’s with a new team for the first time in 14 years. Manning must adjust to a new NFL thanks to the CBA rules put into place last off season.

Here are some details on when Manning can start working with teammates, coaches, and the playbook.

- Manning cannot throw to receivers that are under contract until April 16. Until then, he may throw with the team’s medical staff and trainers as part of his rehab program.

- Manning can workout with his new teammates before April 16 so long as they are not at team facilities nor under the watchful eye of the coaching staff.

- The coaching staff cannot answer playbook related questions until April 16.

- Manning can voluntarily study the playbook as long as the playbook is available to any other player on the team.

The bottom line is until April 16, Manning will simply adjust to the high altitude, get used to wearing new colors, and acclimate to a new city. Those are the foundation blocks for what’s to come.

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John Elway is once again ready to steer the Broncos' ship.

You know how you feel that rush creep up on you before the holiday season? There’s that something in the air, that anticipating that the chaos is about to ensue. There’s also comfort in knowing that lifelong memories will be made.

While there won’t be a big guy in a red suit sliding down the chimney any time soon, there will be Denver’s big guy in a business suit sliding into his chair at Dove Valley very soon.

We hear the word “close” on a daily basis. The NFL is close to a new CBA. Training camp is close to opening. The season is close to starting. Close, close, close. The day that a new CBA is signed is the day that pigskin shaped fireworks go off all around the country.

We often hear that the great thing about saying goodbye is the opportunity to say hello again. NFL football has been gone for far to long, and I think I speak for most fans when I say that my arms are extended for a sweet embrace with the sport and with the team that I love.
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It appears that progress will continue into the weekend as the two sides plan to discuss player safety and health concerns so that the deal can be put into place as soon as possible.

According to Mike Klis of the Denver Post, a new CBA is likely by later next week, which would mean Broncos players can immediately get to work.
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