INDIANAPOLIS —
It’s becoming readily apparent that Peyton Manning’s National Football League-best streak of 227 consecutive starts (including playoffs) at quarterback could come to an end this week at Houston’s Reliant Stadium.
After Internet and social media websites reported Sunday night that the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player – who initially had surgery on May 23 to repair a bulging disc in his neck – might need to undergo an additional medical procedure, Indianapolis Colts officials felt the need to clarify his medical progress on Monday.
”During the last week, the rate of improvement in Peyton’s rehabilitation process slowed. Over the weekend Peyton experienced soreness in his back. It was originally thought to be a normal reaction to his rehabilitation regimen.
When the soreness persisted, the Colts medical team decided to initiate diagnostic tests and to consult with a number of specialists around the country who have been involved in Peyton’s case from the outset. That process continues,” the Colts said in a prepared statement.
“As a result of the most recent development, the doctors have decided that Peyton will not practice. His participation therefore, in Sunday’s game versus Houston, will likely be doubtful. We will update his playing status as required by NFL policy as the week goes on. At the conclusion of the diagnostic process, if there are any new developments in the prognosis which we outlined for Peyton at the start of training camp we will report them. As of now, Peyton continues to deal with a complicated neurological recovery, the end date of which is unpredictable. As was stated at the outset, it serves no useful purpose to speculate about hypothetical outcomes. When and if there are concrete medical facts to report, we will do so. We appreciate your consideration in this matter.”
Manning has not missed a game since coming into the National Football League as a rookie in 1998. While he has not officially been listed as out for the Texans game, veteran backup Kerry Collins is preparing as if he will take over the reins of the Indianapolis offense.
“I’m getting ready to play. That’s the bottom line. There’s a lot that we’re going to have to get ready for this week. I’m excited for the challenge and I’m going to bust my tail this week to get ready to play,” Collins said before the start of Monday afternoon’s practice.
Collins signed with the Colts two weeks ago and had just four practices under his belt before playing in the team’s final preseason game at Cincinnati last Thursday night. While Indianapolis coach Jim Caldwell has yet to make the final call as to which quarterback will line up behind center Jeff Saturday against Houston, the former 1995 first-round draft pick of the Carolina Panthers is getting ready.
“I’m going to prepare hard either way. Obviously with Peyton’s status still in question, I’m taking the mindset that I’m going to play on Sunday,” he said. “The more [practice repetitions] the better. I've worked in situations before where [a decision] comes down to the latter part of the week. To know sooner rather will definitely help my mind set going throughout the week.
"[Former Tennessee Titans coach] Jeff [Fisher] used to like to keep people waiting throughout the week to see if a starter was going to play, whether it was going to be [Vince] Young or me. But that's just part of it. In no way is that going to change my preparation. My preparation is going to be the same. I’m going to get in the meeting rooms, study, watch film and all that kind of thing to just get ready to play.”
Since arriving in Indianapolis, Collins has been forced to be a quick study in learning the Colts’ complicated offensive system. Even with quarterbacks coach Ron Turner tutoring him, the process hasn’t been an easy one.
“I feel comfortable with the offense. I feel like I’ve come a long way in a short time since I’ve been here. I’ve really buckled down and grinded on it. Certainly I’ve got a lot to learn. But as far as my comfort level, it’s pretty high,” he admitted.
So is Caldwell’s.
“He’s making really good progress and he’s working extremely hard at it. He’s been working overtime at it. That’s what this week is for. We can really focus in on what he’s going to have to do during the course of a game so that he’ll be fine,” the Colts coach said.
“It’s not as if we’re dealing with someone who hasn’t been in a lot of games. He’s played. He understands concepts and systems. And he’ll be able to function, I think, very, very well. I don’t expect him to be perfect. We have to have some other guys step up and give him some assistance here and there, which we have a lot of guys who can do that. I think he’ll be fine.”
As for any possible scaling back on the offensive game plan without Manning in the lineup, Caldwell won’t say what he’s planning to do.
"We’re going to do everything we possibly can just to make sure we cover as many bases as possible. You can’t get it all," he said. "It’s not an easy offense to come in and function in. So we have to make a few adjustments and changes to suit [Collins] as well.”
• Read the press release – When Caldwell was asked Monday about Manning's chance of playing Sunday in Houston, his response was somewhat expected.
“One of the things I think is good that we do is we put out a release to answer as many questions as we’re going to answer about those certain subjects, and that’s one of them,” the Colts coach said. “I think it states it pretty clearly all the things that we know, and when we have further details we’ll announce them at that time.”
• Tough on Manning – While much has been made of Manning’s consecutive start streak, possibly missing the Texans game is taking a mental toll on the quarterback.
“[He] loves to play. He loves to compete. He loves to practice. And anytime he’s out of that loop that’s going to be tough for him,” Caldwell said. “I think that’s just who he is. He’s always been a hard-working guy with a great zeal and zest for what he does and his profession.
“He doesn’t miss days, offseason or in season. You name it and he’s always there, and I’m certain that’s a commitment he made to the sport from the time he was a very little guy. He’s still carrying that on today.”
• Tressel delay – The Colts hired former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel to be a game-day advisor to Caldwell last Friday. But after a decision by Indianapolis officials Monday, Tressel won't officially start on the job until the seventh week of the season.
His addition to the coaching staff last week came as somewhat of a surprise and created a stir in the national media. Tressel resigned from OSU on May 30 after NCAA rules violations came to light. Ex-Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who was selected by Oakland in the NFL's supplemental draft, will sit out the first five games of the season.
"After the announcement of Coach Jim Tressel’s agreement to join the Colts as a game-day consultant, questions were raised with respect to the equity of his appointment as opposed to suspensions being served this season by present and former Ohio State players. Over the weekend Coach Tressel, [team owner] Mr. [Jim] Irsay, Coach Caldwell and I had a discussion of the issue," vice chairman Bill Polian said in a prepared statement.
"In addition, we had a conversation with league officials to apprise them of the details of Coach Tressel’s employment and the issues we were reviewing. At Coach Tressel's suggestion, and with Mr. Irsay’s concurrence and support, we have decided to begin Coach Tressel’s employment effective with our seventh regular season game. We have informed the league office of our decision and expect that they will be supportive of it. We are very happy Coach Tressel will be joining us.”
• Roster moves – Here's a look back at the players waived by the Colts this past weekend: S Al Afalava, P Travis Baltz, WR Chris Brooks, DE John Chick, LB Chris Colasanti, OG Kyle DeVan, TE Tyson DeVree, DT John Gill, WR David Gilreath, S Michael Hamlin, DT Tommie Harris, RB Javarris James, DB Brandon King, and C Jake Kirkpatrick.
Also, DT Ricardo Mathews, TE Michael Matthews, OG Jacques McClendon, WR Larrone Moore, LB Kerry Neal, DT Ollie Ogbu, QB Dan Orlovsky, WR Taj Smith (Waived/Injured), OT Mike Tepper, OT Michael Toudouze, LB Nate Triplett, LB Vuna Tuihalamaka, and WR Marshall Williams.
Indianapolis also signed five players to its practice squad: Gilreath, Mathews, Ogbu, Tepper and Williams. Indy also claimed RB Chris Gronkowski off waivers from Dallas and placed RB Chad Spann on injured reserve (hamstring).
• Injury list – WR Anthony Gonzalez (hamstring) and S Antoine Bethea (hamstring) both sat out Monday’s workout. Gonzalez and Bethea are hopeful of being available for the Texans game.
WR Austin Collie (foot), LB Gary Brackett (elbow) and OG Ryan Diem (elbow) all saw work in the practice. Diem will probably start at right offensive guard after sliding inside from right offensive tackle.
Pro Sports
Manning’s prospects growing dimmer
Colts QB may need more treatment
- Pro Sports
-
-
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 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. -
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. -
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 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. -
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' 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. -
Harbaugh brothers — Jim and John — to face off in Super Bowl
Get ready for the Brother Bowl.
-
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.
-
It's a job, not a reunion, Luck says
Andrew Luck made one thing clear this week.
He doesn’t regard Sunday’s game at Reliant Stadium with the Houston Texans as a chance to go back to his home town and talk about old times. -
Colts’ meeting comes on heels of Texans’ big loss
The Indianapolis Colts are quite aware of who, and what, they’re going to be facing Sunday at Reliant Stadium.
-
Former Illinois star Meyers Leonard living the NBA dream
One thing is for certain. Meyers Leonard of the Portland Trail Blazers doesn’t need 40 minutes to incite a crowd with a posterizing slam dunk or a big shot block.
At just 20 years of age, the former Robinson, Ill., standout who took his talents to Champaign for two years is getting his feet wet at the highest level of basketball.
Close to 300 fans, many of whom watched Leonard take the Maroons to the 2010 IHSA Class 2A state championship, rode on charter buses to watch him battle the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis last week. -
Update: Ravens dismiss former South standout Cam Cameron as offensive coordinator
Former Terre Haute South High School football and basketball standout Cam Cameron was fired Monday as offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens, who have lost two straight and are still striving for consistency in the running and passing game.
-
Leonard has moment for highlight reel, but Pacers come away with victory
One night after pulling even with the Chicago Bulls for first place in the NBA’s Central Division, the Indiana Pacers at least maintained that advantage thanks to another big game from Paul George.
-
Titans to sport new look vs. Colts
Even though the Indianapolis Colts won the first meeting with the Tennessee Titans, interim coach/offensive coordinator Bruce Arians doesn’t think it will help his team Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
-
Lions present many challenges for Colts
Finding a way to stop, or at least slow down, the Detroit Lions’ fast-paced offense is the primary goal of Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Greg Manusky.
-
Wild card looking mighty doable right now: Colts improve to 7-4 with win
Don't look now, but the upstart Indianapolis Colts have jumped to the front
of class when it comes to securing one of the two available wild-card berths
in the upcoming AFC playoffs. -
‘Resilient’ label fits Colts
If there is a word that best describes the 2012 Indianapolis Colts, it just might be “resilient.”
-
Do-or-die Bills next for Colts
Indianapolis Colts interim coach/offensive coordinator Bruce Arians is quite aware that the Buffalo Bills are coming into Sunday’s game at Lucas Oil Stadium (1 p.m. kickoff, CBS Sports) facing a do-or-die situation in regard to the postseason.
-
How will the Colts rebound vs. the Bills?
The big question for the Indianapolis Colts as they prepare for Sunday's home game with Buffalo is a pretty simple one.
-
Colts healthy entering key road game
If all goes well during today’s short walk-through practice, it appears the Indianapolis Colts will be in pretty good health heading into Sunday’s nationally televised (4:25 p.m., CBS Sports) road game with the New England Patriots.
-
Colts, Patriots renew rivalry for 10th straight year
Once again, Sunday afternoon at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., it’s the Indianapolis Colts playing the New England Patriots.
-
Times have changed
A lot has changed for the Indianapolis Colts since a 22-17 home loss to Jacksonville on Sept. 23.
For starters, that’s the only game the 1-7 Jaguars have won this season. Indianapolis, meanwhile, has posted wins in four of its last five games and is rolling along with a 5-3 record.
Many Colts point to that loss in the third week of the season. Indianapolis led 14-3 at the half and were ahead 14-13 after three quarters of play.
In fact, the Colts led 17-16 with 0:45 remaining in the game. That’s when Jacksonville quarterback Blaine Gabbert connected with speedy wide receiver Cecil Shorts III on an 80-yard pass play that resulted in the final margin of victory.
I -
Colts not carried away with success
The Indianapolis Colts have surprised many fans and media around the NFL by getting off to a 4-3 start this season.
-
Not pretty, but Colts take win
Strictly from an aesthetic point of view, the Indianapolis Colts’ 17-13 National Football League win over the Cleveland Browns wasn’t very attractive.
-
Browns rusher has taken criticism from Hall of Famer to heart
Trent Richardson has a point to prove.
-
Colts wish linebackers could play more at same time
If the Indianapolis Colts could get both of their starting outside linebackers — Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis — on the field together for more than four quarters this season, it would be interesting to see how quickly the team’s defensive unit could continue its development.
-
Pagano gives Colts 4 days off
With a bye this weekend, the Indianapolis Colts went through a short week of practice before taking a long four-day weekend.
Indianapolis coach Chuck Pagano put the Colts through workouts Tuesday and Wednesday before allowing the team to scatter across the country.
Players are due back Sunday evening as Pagano and his coaching staff hope to hit the ground running heading into Indianapolis’ Oct. 7 home game with Green Bay. -
Tentative agreement reached on NFL referees' contract
The NFL and the referees’ union reached a tentative contract agreement at midnight today, ending an impasse that began in June when the league locked out the officials and used replacements instead.
“Our officials will be back on the field starting tomorrow night” for the Cleveland-Baltimore game, Commissioner Roger Goodell said after a day of marathon negotiations.
With Goodell at the table, the sides concluded two days of talks with the announcement of a tentative eight-year deal, which must be ratified by 51 percent of the union’s 121 members. They plan to vote Friday. -
Colts receiver Collie will miss season with knee injury
Indianapolis Colts receiver Austin Collie will miss the rest of the season with a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee.
- More Pro Sports Headlines
-
Luck having fun with his first OTAs
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Today in History May 24
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
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
