ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) - Peyton Manning is over his illness but not his injury.
Denver's quarterback was limited Thursday when the Broncos reconvened for their first practice since their win Sunday at San Diego. Manning fought through the flu in that game and strained his right thigh late in the first half.
Manning participated in the walkthrough but retreated to the Broncos' facility after the team stretch while backup Brock Osweiler took over the offense.
He didn't appear in any discomfort afterward, saying, "I feel OK," and, when asked if he'll be ready to play Monday night, added, "I certainly hope so."
Save for the season he missed following spinal fusion surgery, Manning has never missed a start in his 17-year NFL career.
He was clearly feeling better Thursday. He had his coloring back in his face and even jokingly referenced Bill Belichick three times when he answered reporters' questions with a "We're on to Cincinnati" mantra.
That's something the Patriots coach did five times a day after their 41-14 drubbing Sept. 29 at Kansas City. New England turned around and walloped the Bengals 43-17 the following week, the start of a stretch of 10 wins in 11 games.
The Broncos (11-3) will try to secure a first-round bye in the playoffs and keep the heat on the Patriots for the AFC's top seed when they play the Bengals (9-4-1) Monday night in Cincinnati.
Coach John Fox gave the players Tuesday and Wednesday off.
"I think it's good for everybody this time of year," Manning said. "Everybody - not just me - is dealing with different things physically. So, you get a little extra time to take care of your body, treatment or whatnot. I think guys took advantage of that and hopefully that'll pay off for us."
After another question about getting rest this time of year, Manning finished his reply with a smirk, saying, "We're on to Cincinnati."
He was asked about Terrance Knighton's Super Bowl guarantee the Broncos nose tackle issued after Denver won its fourth straight AFC West title last weekend: "I think Terrance has a lot of confidence. I think it's a good quality about him," Manning said. "As far as me though, I'm on to Cincinnati."