Denver Broncos

Broncos' Osweiler, Thomas hit stride in Peyton Manning's absence

Published Aug. 10, 2015 12:45 p.m. ET

foxsports

Peyton Manning used one of his many days off to support a former Colts colleague at the Hall of Fame.

Brock Osweiler got the nod again, and used his time to develop a rapport with Denver's No. 1 target.

According to the team's official website, the Broncos' backup found Demaryius Thomas over and over again during Saturday's practice. His session was not without struggles -- he threw a near-interception while locking on Thomas -- but took a big step in the right direction as Manning's eventual heir.

"Through my first three years, you could probably count on two hands how many balls I got to throw to him," Osweiler said.

The duo looked ready on a long post play, though. Osweiler showcased his cannon arm and accuracy on the throw, according to the site.

It's Manning's job to do that until he retires. But that could be soon; it doesn't hurt Osweiler to be well-versed in throwing Thomas' way.

Said Osweiler: "Just to have him in camp, and then for me to be able to get some reps with the ones, it's huge, and I think that play alone kind of showed that work paying off, and hopefully I get a lot more."

(h/t Denver Broncos) Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports