As expected, Peyton Manning returned to the Broncos’ frigid practice on Thursday. With the temperature hovering around 20 degrees and piles of snow pushed to the sides of the field, players were bundled up to fight the conditions that aren’t too far from what they’ll face at New England on Sunday night.

Manning, who practiced in full, wasn’t the only player to return to practice Thursday. Tight ends Julius Thomas and Joel Dreessen as well as receiver Wes Welker, all of whom sat Wednesday, were able to take the field. Welker, who’s suffering from a concussion, was participating in the wide receiver drills, as was Dreessen with the tight ends. Thomas, though he had his helmet with him, was doing little more than watching his position group during the media viewing period. All three were listed as limited, as was cornerback Champ Bailey.

Both Thomas and Dreessen are suffering from knee problems; Dreessen’s is more nagging, and Thomas strained his during the team’s game against Kansas City.

With the temperatures so far below freezing, the Broncos held media availability with interim coach Jack Del Rio and offensive coordinator Adam Gase inside on Thursday afternoon, a rare occurrence.

“I was glad it was cold, just so we know what to expect on Sunday,” Gase said. “For us to have to go through our normal routine, get loosened up, get out there, get the blood flowing in that kind of weather is really helpful for us.”

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