Manning expected to play in opener

Peyton Manning is recovering from knee surgery. He has started 160 straight games at QB, second all time to Brett Favre. (AP photo / May 16, 2008)

Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy is certain Peyton Manning's left knee will be ready for the Colts' season opener.

Yesterday, Dungy said he was optimistic the Colts' biggest question heading into training camp - Manning's knee - could be resolved quicker than most people expect. Dungy said his starting quarterback could play in the preseason.

Manning had surgery last week to remove an infected bursa sac, a procedure doctors said would require four to six weeks to heal.

Typically, Dungy defers to medical experts on injury matters, but he knows Manning well enough to realize keeping Manning off the field for six weeks might be tougher than the rehabilitation.

"I have talked to Peyton, and we're just following the doctor's instructions right now," Dungy said. "I'm hoping for four weeks, but if he's truly out six weeks, I think it will be hard to keep him out. However it goes, he'll be ready when he comes back."

Manning has not spoken publicly since having surgery July15 and is expected to take questions tomorrow when the Colts report to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Ind.

During the past decade, Manning has earned a reputation as one of the NFL's best and most durable quarterbacks. He has started all 160 regular-season games in his 10-year career, the second-longest streak of any quarterback in NFL history behind Brett Favre's record of 253.

Manning's absence might not hurt the Colts too much this summer because Dungy, offensive coordinator Tom Moore and associate head coach Jim Caldwell had already decided to limit how many snaps Manning, 32, would have in camp.

"It may be a blessing in disguise because Tom, Jim and I talked in June about giving Jim [Sorgi] some extra work with the first group anyways," Dungy said. "Peyton would like to take every snap, but Jim [Caldwell] has scaled it back every year. It would be optimal to get a couple of weeks in, but if not I think we'll be able to go."

Manning won't be the Colts' only prominent player missing from Friday's first practice.

Dungy expects four other starters to join Manning on the physically-unable-to-perform list - safety Bob Sanders, last season's NFL Defensive Player of the Year; defensive end Dwight Freeney, the 2004 NFL sacks champion; guard Ryan Lilja; and linebacker Tyjuan Hagler. All are expected to be ready for the season-opener, Sept. 7 against the Chicago Bears.

•PackersGreen Bay apparently had proof that Brett Favre made phone calls to Minnesota coach Brad Childress when they filed tampering charges against the Vikings for "inappropriate dialogue" with the quarterback who wants to return to the NFL. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a source said Favre continued to use a Packers-issued cell phone after his retirement. When the team checked the phone records, there were "repeated calls to coach Brad Childress and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell." A Vikings spokesman said the club had no comment about the report.

•ChargersDefensive end Luis Castillo agreed to a five-year extension through 2014 worth more than $43 million with $17.5 million guaranteed. His contract had been due to expire after the 2009 season. He has 13 sacks in 36 career games.

•BengalsCoach Marvin Lewis said receiver Chris Henry will not be rejoining the team. The Bengals released Henry in April after he was arrested for the fifth time, and the NFL suspended him indefinitely. Prosecutors dropped the charges against him, prompting Henry to seek reinstatement and a chance to play in the NFL again.

•RamsSeven-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Orlando Pace is close to returning from a torn labrum and rotator cuff but will begin training camp on the physically-unable-to-perform list.

• PatriotsOffensive lineman Nick Kaczur pleaded guilty to speeding in a deal with prosecutors that will put a misdemeanor drug possession charge on hold. He was ordered to pay $355 in fines and fees by Whitestown (N.Y.) Town Justice Stanley Wolanin, who said the drug possession charge, stemming from the traffic stop in late April, will be dismissed if he stays out of trouble for the next six months.

•RaidersOakland agreed to terms on a one-year contract with safety Greg Wesley. Wesley was released last week by the Chiefs.

• EaglesGarrett Reid, a son of coach Andy Reid, was sentenced to two years in a drug rehabilitation program.

Related topic galleries: Trials, Tom Moore, Luis Castillo, National Football League, Chicago Bears, Greg Wesley, New England Patriots

• EDUCATION - INSTRUCTORS

• HVAC

• DRIVER - TRACTOR TRAILER

• BOOKKEEPER

• FRONT DESK

• View all Top Jobs