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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. —** Following Tuesday's news that Peyton Manning is expected to miss the next two weeks, the Broncos have signed QB Christian Ponder to add depth at the position. He attended meetings Wednesday morning and will be on the field at practice.

The five-year NFL veteran and 2011 first-round pick spent four years with the Vikings, including one year starting all 16 games in 2012. That season, he completed 62 percent of his passes for 2,935 yards, 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

He was signed by the Raiders in March, but the team released him in the final roster cuts.

Ponder's addition adds necessary depth in Manning's absence with Brock Osweiler and rookie Trevor Siemian being the only active quarterbacks while Manning recovers.

Defensive end Kenny Anunike has been placed on season-ending injured reserve with a knee injury. Anunike's 2014 season ended on injured reserve after he sustained an elbow injury in preseason

Ponder will wear No. 2.