Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning, other Broncos weigh in on Demaryius Thomas' OTA absence

Published May. 27, 2015 9:09 p.m. ET

foxsports

Demaryius Thomas received a surprise video call on Wednesday.

It was receiver Emmanuel Sanders and linebacker Von Miller, calling the estranged Bronco because they missed him.

“Von was like, ‘I’m wearing your shoes today’ and I’m like, ‘I’m wearing your shirt today, just so you’re out there with us,” Sanders told the Denver Post. “I could tell he definitely misses being out here and he wants to be a part of this. Hopefully, he’ll be back soon.”

His hiatus is on more minds than just Sanders and Miller. Denver's franchised receiver is holding out from the team until a long-term contract presents itself.

Sanders said he understood his teammate's business decision -- but still misses No. 88 out on the field at Dove Valley.

“One thing a lot of people don’t realize is when you’re playing on a one-year deal, there’s a lot of things going through your head,” Sanders said. “As much as you guys want to say, ‘Don’t think about it,’ of course it’s going to cross your mind because you’re talking about a lot of money at stake. We’re all human.”

But a one-year deal worth $12.82 million isn't enough for Thomas. New head coach Gary Kubiak said he'd prefer Thomas in camp. And even general manager John Elway came out strongly against the holdout recently.

But until the star receiver changes his tune, the only way his teammates will see him is through a screen.

Peyton Manning, for one, plans on keeping up tabs with the player that makes him look so good.

“They got that business side of it to work out, but he’s been a great teammate to me, been a great friend to me since I’ve been here in Denver, so I keep up with him," Manning said. "Obviously want him to get back here as soon as possible, but we want what’s best for him, and he certainly deserves what’s best for him.”

(h/t Denver Post)