The Denver Broncos are still hoping that Peyton Manning will be able to return this season, but the veteran quarterback is not ready to set a timetable for his comeback.

Manning, who is playing in his 17th season in the league, is still recovering from a torn plantar fascia in his left foot. Late last month, Manning's left foot was placed in cast and was immobilized by a protective boot a week later.

According to 9News, the boot will be removed on Friday and Manning could start his rehab on Saturday. However, the 39-year-old quarterback said that he is still unsure if he will be able to make the trip to San Diego for their upcoming game against the Chargers, and added that he has not talked to coach Gary Kubiak about a timetable.

"It's obviously difficult not being out there," Manning said. "Being a competitor, always being able to play, you certainly want to be out there. I think any competitor would tell you they would be lying if they said it wasn't difficult to not be out there."

Manning has only played in nine games this season, but the Broncos are still comfortably on top of the AFC West standings with a 9-2 record. The veteran quarterback completed 59.9 percent of his passes for 2,180 yards with nine touchdowns against 17 interceptions.

While waiting for his return, Manning said that he will continue to become a "good teammate" in their upcoming games. He specified that he will support current starting quarterback Brock Osweiler, who completed 61.3 percent of his passes for 666 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions in three games this season.

"While I'm out, I'm trying to do whatever I can to help," Manning said. "I've always been a team player. Try to be a good teammate. Whether it's answering any questions that Brock may have, or Greg Knapp may have. Try to help wherever I can."

Osweiler is playing well enough to keep his spot even after Manning recovers from the injury. When asked about the possibility of playing as a backup, the five-time league Most Valuable Player said that he is not yet thinking about it, as he is focused on getting healthy. He also played down speculations about moving to another team next year.

"This is when 'they' and 'sources' seem to show their heads a little bit. I haven't thought much other than about trying to get healthy," Manning said via ESPN. "I'm going to try to get healthy so I can try to get back. That's kind of where my focus is."