INDIANAPOLIS —
After undergoing neck fusion surgery on Sept. 8, his third such procedure over the past 19 months, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is more than ready to move on to the next stage of his rehabilitation process.
Manning was given clearance Thursday evening by one of the California-based surgeons who performed the operation to begin ramping up his workouts. During a teleconference Thursday with Manning and Colts medical officials, Dr. Robert Watkins gave the four-time National Football League MVP the yellow light to proceed with football-related workouts.
Proceed with caution was the gist of what Watkins told Manning, team rehabilitation specialist Erin Barill and the rest of the Colts’ medical staff.
“It’s encouraging and gives me another part of the plan to go out there and try to execute [and] try to rehab. We’ll see where it goes from there. I’ve been pretty good in following the doctor’s orders and following Erin [Barill’s] plan, and that’s allows for more activities. So I look forward to kind of seeing what those are, and to trying to get back into a normal routine,” the Colts quarterback told the large number of national and Indiana reporters who crowded around his locker during a hectic interview session Friday.
“It’s nice to kind of having the reins cut off you a little bit, and having a little more freedom to do some normal weight lifting activities, on the field activities, things that you’re normally used to doing. So it’s good because that means that we’ve done what we were supposed to do these past three months. It doesn’t guarantee anything in this next phase, but it does allow you to step into that phase. I guess the worst news we could have heard the other day was, ‘hey, you’re still not where you want to be, and you’ve got to keep doing what you’ve been doing.’[Dr. Watkins] has given us clearance for the next phase, and I’ll follow that as well as I can.”
As for the possibility of returning to the practice field before the end of the current season, Manning didn’t want to make any predictions or guarantees.
“Like I’ve said all along, that would be what I would like to do, and I think the plan for this next phase is to go out there and see what I can do now that I have a little bit more clearance. I’d like to have practiced three months ago, and I’d like to have played the first game of the season. So if you’re asking if I want to be out there, I think you know the answer to that question,” he voiced.
“So I still do believe that practice is a great avenue to answer some questions, and to see where you are. So I think we’ll make that determination here in this next phase, and if that’s good, then I’d like to do that. If it’s better just to keep rehabbing in a private setting, then it’s whatever the [Watkins] and Erin think is best. Certainly, what I would like to do, sure, I’d like to suit-up Sunday [against the New England Patriots].”
While Watkins confirmed Thursday that the neck fusion has healed and Manning has stability in his neck now, questions remain about the nerve regeneration process. There is no timetable for how long it takes the nerves to regenerate in the neck, which would allow the quarterback to regain and improve on his arm strength.
“We have some more questions to answer, and we have some things that we haven’t been allowed to do in this past phase. So now that we can do a little more throwing [we can make a better assessment]. Throwing will be a part of this next progression, [and] that is somewhat critical to my job,” he said.
“I will be throwing, and have been doing some throwing, and we’re going to ramp that up a little bit and answer some more questions about where we are.”
On other topics, Manning talked about:
n Whether he’’ll finish his NFL career with the Colts — “I understand the timing of that question. [Thursday] was an important day for us, and I’m still trying to kind of digest that and see what I can do next. As far as questions about [my] long-term career and about the 2012 NFL Draft, I think those are inappropriate frankly, given the fact that we had a coach [former defensive coordinator Larry Coyer] get fired this week, we have players playing for jobs and we have changes being made,” he said.
“It tells you that this is a serious time for our team, and all we want to do is get a win on Sunday and all I want to do is keep making progress. So anything beyond those two things isn’t really on my radar at this point.”
n Would he be willing to restructure his contract to accommodate the drafting of another quarterback — “Once again, it’s just a question that, certainly, there will be a time and a place to address it. I think a lot of questions will answer themselves in these next three months, if you will. I’ve had a lot of energy and time. One thing about this rehab, when you’re practicing football, you actually enjoy it. It’s fun going out there and practicing,” Manning said.
“So I just haven’t thought about anything beyond trying to follow the doctor’s orders and be in a good position at these checkpoints. So [my] contract, [the] 2012 Draft and anything beyond that is something that I just haven’t thought about. I’m sure there will be a time when I’ll need to think about it more, but it’s just not the time right now. I just haven’t put the thought into it.”
n On whether he has discussed the team’s draft plans with Colts vice-president Bill Polian — “First let me say, any conversations that Bill and I have belong between he and I. I will say that he and I have not had a conversation about the 2012 Draft. Bill keeps a lot of the players informed on different things, but I’ve never known who we were going to draft in year’s past. I don’t think that it was insinuated that he checks with me. I’m not in personnel, and I don’t do personnel. So I’ve had no conversation about the 2012 Draft, especially [since] I think that’s inappropriate to even think that I would have [that conversation] during the 2011 season while we’re playing,” the quarterback said.
“No. I don’t get into personnel, I don’t. So I don’t know what was said on [Polian’s weekly] radio show, but that’s just not a conversation that happened between he and I. But whatever Bill has to do for the organization, that’s what he has to do. I just play football. I really have been just the starting quarterback here for 13 years, and no other hat or role besides doing my job to do that. Whatever they have to do, [team owner] Jim [Irsay] and Bill, that’s what they have to do. I don’t really know what else to say besides that.”
Colts
Manning’s appearance turns heads at Colts’ complex
Indy quarterback cleared to increase workouts
- Colts
-
-
Luck having fun with his first OTAs
A year ago, quarterback Andrew Luck was unable to attend the Indianapolis Colts’ organized team activity practices due to school commitments at Stanford.
Luck, though, went on to have a stellar year for the Colts despite the lack of summer work with the team. Still, in a sense, he is a rookie during this year’s OTA workouts.
“These are my first OTAs. I missed these last year, so I think it’s great. It’s great to get on the field with the defense and trouble-shoot some stuff. Obviously, some of us ran some of this stuff [offense] at Stanford [under new offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton]. But to get out there with the defense and trouble-shoot some stuff is good,” Luck said Wednesday as the team wrapped up its first week of on-field voluntary practice sessions. -
Colts' coordinators enjoying getting rookies acclimated
While the Indianapolis Colts put their rookies and a handful of second-year players through workouts this weekend at the team’s Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center, a pair of first-year coordinators are getting a chance to do some valuable on-field work as well.
-
Werner, 36 others open Colts’ mini camp
The Indianapolis Colts welcomed 37 players to the start of the team’s rookie mini camp Friday at the West 56th Street headquarters.
-
Colts hoping for more high marks on draft picks
A year ago, the Indianapolis Colts received high marks for the impact players the team added through the NFL draft.
Of the 10 players selected, five ended up either starting or seeing extensive playing time (quarterback Andrew Luck, tight ends Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen, wide receiver T.Y. Hilton and running back Vick Ballard) during the Colts’ 11-5 season.
While this year’s class may not rival that group in terms of name recognition and flash, it may produce just as many major contributors once the 2013 season gets underway. -
Werner at top of game
Bjoern Werner was a late comer to football. But after being selected in the first round of the 2013 National Football League draft by the Indianapolis Colts, Werner realizes that he has reached the pinnacle of the sport in a relatively short amount of time.
-
Colts select pass rusher Werner in first round
The Indianapolis Colts selected Florida State defensive end Bjoern Werner. The 6-foot-3, 266-pound defensive lineman can also play left outside linebacker.
-
Colts in wait-and-see mode for tonight’s NFL draft
As the 2013 NFL draft gets underway tonight at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, the Indianapolis Colts are continuing their wait-and-see stance in regard to the first-round pick.
The draft begins at 8 p.m. — televised by the NFL Network and ESPN — with the Kansas City Chiefs making the night’s first selection. Teams will have 10 minutes to make their decisions during the first round. Indianapolis will have the 24th overall pick in the first round.
There will be only one round tonight. The second and third rounds are scheduled for Friday, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with seven minutes allotted per pick in the second round and five minutes allowed in the third. The final four rounds are slated to begin at noon Saturday with four minutes between selections.
As it stands now, Indianapolis does not have a second-round pick. It was traded to Miami last fall in exchange for veteran cornerback Vontae Davis. But second-year general manager Ryan Grigson has nut ruled out the possibility of trading down from the first round if the Colts aren’t satisfied with the players available. -
Direction clear for Colts in 2013 draft
The Indianapolis Colts head into the 2013 NFL Draft with some definite plans.
-
Colts veteran among those excited to see Luck's growth in 2013-14
Veteran defensive end Cory Redding is a big fan — literally and figuratively — of Indianapolis Colts second-year quarterback Andrew Luck.
Redding, who has become one of the Colts’ lockerroom leaders after just one season with the team, thinks he has some reasonable expectations of Indianapolis’ former No. 1 draft pick. -
Heyward-Bey feeling fortunate to hook up with Luck
Add one more player to the list of veteran free agents signed by the Indianapolis Colts this offseason.
Former Oakland Raiders wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey agreed to a a deal with the Colts late Monday evening. Bey, who played collegiately at Maryland, was the seventh player selected in the first round of the 2009 National Football League draft. -
Colts sign nose tackle
Another day, more player signings for the Indianapolis Colts.
Nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin agreed to terms with the Colts on Tuesday evening and officially signed with the team Wednesday. Franklin (6-1, 315) is a 10-year NFL veteran with stops in Baltimore (2003-06), San Francisco (2007-10), New Orleans (2011) and San Diego (2012). -
Colts sign Matt Hasselbeck to back up Luck
The Indianapolis Colts’ roster moves just keep coming.
While the Colts haven’t yet added that big-name wide receiver that team owner Jim Irsay hinted at in tweets over the weekend, Indianapolis has addressed one area on offense.
Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck had agreed Monday night to be the Colts’ primary back-up to second-year starter Andrew Luck. He officially signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the team Tuesday morning.
“We are very pleased to announce the signing of Matt Hasselbeck,” general manager Ryan Grigson said in a prepared statement. “His body of work, intangibles, and extensive league experience speak for themselves. Those factors, plus his familiarity with our offensive scheme, will make him a great asset to our team and its vision as we move forward.” -
Colts likely done signing free agents, for now
With the possible exception of adding a few lesser-priced players, the Indianapolis Colts’ big-time foray into the veteran free-agent marketplace is pretty much done.
-
Landry, Jean Francois join Colts defensive unit
After adding five veteran free agent players to the Indianapolis Colts roster on Tuesday, general manager Ryan Grigson plucked two more plums late Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon.
New York Jets safety LaRon Landry and San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois both signed contracts with the Colts. Landry, a strong safety who appears to be a bigger version of former Indianapolis Pro Bowler Bob Sanders, and the versatile Jean-Francois are expected to make immediate impacts on the Colts’ defensive unit. -
Colts introduce free-agent signees
What the Indianapolis Colts accomplished last season — posting an 11-5 record and earning an AFC wild-card berth with a young team plus having that kind of success without its head coach on the sidelines for 12 games — didn’t go unnoticed by players around the NFL.
That was especially true for the five veteran free agents who were added to the Colts’ roster Tuesday. Offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus (Detroit), cornerback Greg Toler (Arizona), outside linebacker Erik Walden (Green Bay), offensive guard Donald Thomas (New England) and linebacker Lawrence Sidbury (Atlanta) admitted as much Wednesday.
“I felt like this would be the best fit for me at this point in my career. I really liked what I saw was happening with the program here and the way things have taken shape. I feel like we have a really great team here and it’s on the rise. I really wanted to be a part of that,” Thomas said during a teleconference interview with the Colts’ media. -
Colts sign five free agents, filling needs at offensive line, cornerback
The Indianapolis Colts were a busy team on the opening day of the National Football League’s veteran free agent market, which got underway at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
-
Jeff Saturday retires as a Colt
An Indianapolis Colt for life. Pencil in Jeff Saturday for that honor.
The 14-year veteran center in the NFL put an official stamp on a career Thursday that began in Baltimore in 1998 and ended in Green Bay in 2012. But it was those 13 seasons in between — from 1999 to 2011 in which he played for Indianapolis — when Saturday earned his greatest rewards. -
Saturday thrilled to retire as a Colt
The 14-year veteran center in the National Football League put an official stamp on a career Thursday that began in Baltimore in 1998 and ended in Green Bay in 2012. But it was those 13 seasons in-between — from 1999 to 2011 in which he played for Indianapolis — that Saturday earned his greatest rewards.
-
Saturday to retire as Colt on Thursday
Former Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday will make his retirement from the National Football League official on Thursday.
-
Indianapolis franchises punter McAfee
A week ago, Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano said it was a priority that the team retain the services of punter Pat McAfee.
McAfee, an unrestricted free agent who’s contract is due to expire March 12, was designated as the Colts’ franchise player Friday. The move allows Indianapolis extra time to work out a long-term deal for the team’s special-teams ace.
“He’s huge. He’s a major priority in free agency. Obviously, we’ve reached out and are working to get Pat re-signed,” Pagano said during the National Football Scouting Combine. “We saw what he did for us last year. He’s a great weapon, not only kickoffs and touchbacks. -
Colts GM enjoying time at combine
Indianapolis Colts second-year general manager Ryan Grigson makes no bones about it. He enjoys watching prospective football players strut their stuff.
-
Colts keeping eye on large crop of talented linemen in NFL Draft
According to most National Football League draft observers, this year’s crop of prospects is deep with quality offensive and defensive linemen.
Among the offensive line candidates who have been showcasing their talents at the National Football Scouting Combine, which began in earnest Thursday and wraps up on Tuesday, the spotlight has been on the offensive tackles. Offensive left tackles in particular. -
Colts' Pagano back to full work schedule at combine
Back and ready to go.
That’s the attitude Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano is taking during the National Football Scouting Combine, which completed its second day of operations Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium. During a wide-ranging press conference at the combine, Pagano confirmed that he is back to a full work regimen after missing 12 games last fall as he battled a rare form of leukemia.
After undergoing cancer treatments that featured heavy doses of chemotherapy, the second-year head coach was able to return to the sidelines for Indianapolis’ final regular-season home game against Houston and for the team’s AFC wild-card matchup with eventual Super Bowl champion Baltimore. -
Colts looking forward to different approach to draft in 2013
A year ago, the Indianapolis Colts had the first overall pick in the 2012 National Football League draft.
It was a foregone conclusion that the Colts would select former Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the selection. While Indianapolis front office and player personnel officials certainly had to do their due diligence in preparing for the draft, the Colts find themselves this year in a bit different situation.
The team will have the 24th overall pick in the first round, which is a double-edged sword. Indianapolis picks lower in the round due to a successful season. But the pool of available can’t-miss talent isn’t quite as plentiful as drafting earlier in the round. -
Former Pro Bowl selection Freeney won't return to Colts
The news coming out of the Indianapolis Colts headquarters Friday afternoon was not totally unexpected. Team officials have confirmed that two veteran players – former Pro Bowl defensive end/outside linebacker Dwight Freeney and wide receiver Austin Collie — will not be returning for the 2013 season.
-
Colts’ new offensive coordinator will offer variety
Quarterback Andrew Luck running the Pistol offense? Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton lining up in the Wildcat?
-
Colts moving on to the off season
Moving on. That’s the immediate plans for the Indianapolis Colts as they head into the off season.
-
Baltimore ends Indy’s playoff run early
The Baltimore Ravens want one long final ride for Ray Lewis. Having disposed of Andrew Luck and the Colts, they now face a more imposing challenge.
Next up, Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. -
Switching sides: Colts-Ravens matchup includes old friends on new teams
Just as Baltimore Ravens players and coaches will be seeing some old friends returning to M&T Bank Stadium today, several Indianapolis Colts veterans will also have an opportunity to renew acquaintances with a familiar face.
-
Pagano prepares Colts for tough crowd in Baltimore
As a former resident of Baltimore, Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano knows all about the hard feelings that still run strong about the move of the Colts franchise to Indianapolis in 1984.
- More Colts Headlines
-
Luck having fun with his first OTAs
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
Chain-Reaction School Bus Crash Injures About 50
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
Oklahoma Family Reflects on Lost Son
AK-47-wielding thug may be the most bumbling crook ever
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Trout's cycle a boost for Angels
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece
NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery
Shakira's Shocking Talent
Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air
GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape
Elin Nordegren Furious With Lindsey Vonn For Parading Kids in Public
Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls
Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place
Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill
DWTS Crowns a Winner
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House
Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
