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SAN DIEGO (AP) — Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning came out of Sunday's game against the Chargers in the second quarter due to a thigh injury, but returned by the start of the third quarter.
Manning also was suffering from flu-like symptoms.
Manning came out after a play on which he threw a block for C.J. Anderson. Officials initially ruled Anderson scored, but on review they said his knee was down and the Broncos got their third field goal from Connor Barth. After Anderson cut back, Manning stepped up and blocked linebacker Donald Butler.
The Broncos forced the Chargers to punt, and Brock Osweiler came in to play quarterback. Osweiler was called for intentional grounding on the second play of the drive. The Broncos had to punt and a long return by Eddie Royal, a former Broncos player, helped set up Nick Novak's 30-yard field goal.
Manning was back under center for the Broncos' first drive of the second half. On their second possession, he threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas to give the Broncos a 16-3 lead.
The Broncos were trying to clinch their fourth straight AFC West title.
Despite being ill, Manning completed a 36-yard pass to Demaryius Thomas to help set up Barth's 19-yard field goal and a 30-yarder to Julius Thomas to set up Barth's 26-yard field goal to give the Broncos a 6-0 lead.
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