At Wednesday’s practice, the Broncos were healthier than they’d been in weeks.

As Jack Del Rio led the second practice in his role as interim coach, cornerback Champ Bailey, safety Duke Ihenacho and receiver Wes Welker did not participate. The three were present with their respective positional groups at the practice and had their helmets with them.

Notable returns were offensive tackle Orlando Franklin and tight ends Julius Thomas and Joel Dreessen. All three were limited. Center Manny Ramirez was also limited. Ihenacho and Thomas both hurt their ankles against Washington, and Franklin remained hobbled even after returning to play against the Redskins after missing the previous game.

Both Del Rio and quarterback Peyton Manning addressed the media after the practice. Del Rio spoke of his gameday involvement and the changes to his role; although he’ll be involved in the offense and special teams on game days, he won’t be implementing new schemes to those areas of the team.

Manning said that he hasn’t spoken with John Fox since his surgery, but that he’s been in touch with Fox’s wife, Robin. He also spoke highly of Del Rio and his efforts in these early days as interim coach.

“Jack’s been excellent these past two days,” Manning said. “We’ve had two team meetings … and two practices. It’s very easy to see why he’s been a head coach for 10-plus years. He’s got great leadership and command of the room.”

Joan Niesen: jniesen@denverpost.com or twitter.com/joanniesen