Around here, the Indianapolis Colts are similar in importance to a religion. Perhaps even more so among some of the Horseshoe Faithful. Mike Lombardi is well respected in the NFL world. He's not given to the sensational. Here's what he wrote in his blog, yesterday:
I talked to several people in the NFL yesterday (Wednesday) who know things and they assure me that Peyton Manning’s knee is a huge concern for the Colts. Apparently Manning had to go through another procedure on his knee to clean things out after having his bursa sac removed last month. What is the most concerning is not the second operation (which the Colts are denying), but that they cannot control the swelling in Manning’s knee and any physical movement causes MORE swelling. Once he returns to the game, gets hit, has to place a load on the knee, and drive the ball, there can be swelling. All I know is that there is MUCH more here than meets the eye. Manning has the trainer come over to HIS home for rehab and is rarely seen. Now, I have been with some big-time quarterbacks in my career like Joe Montana and Rich Gannon and never have they rehabbed from home. I thought this was not an issue and that Manning would be back. However, after talking to my friends in the league, it’s clear that this is a HUGE concern short- and long-term for the Colts.
The Colts begin their season on Sunday, September 7 at their new Lucas Oil Stadium against the Chicago Bears. From what I hear, I would be very surprised to see Manning on the field. I'll put my $2 on the Bears!
