INDIANAPOLIS — Peyton Manning proved Tuesday he can stand, walk and talk.
Next question: Will the two-time league MVP start in the Colts’ season opener? Manning made it to his first practice of the season Tuesday, then ended his self-imposed silence by saying he wanted to play Sept. 7 against Chicago — although he couldn’t give a guarantee.
“I’ve not really had a whole lot to say, to tell you the truth,” he said. “As to when I’ll be back on the practice field, that’s still to be determined. Obviously, the sooner, the better for me. My goal is to be back for the first game.”
Manning had been kept out of public view since having surgery to remove an infected bursa sac from his left knee July 14. Team officials said he was staying away to reduce the risk of another infection.
He was expected to miss four to six weeks, and coach Tony Dungy said he believes Manning could be practicing by next week.
Meanwhile, Bob Sanders (shoulder), last year’s defensive player of the year, and three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Dwight Freeney (foot) were in pads for the first time.
Footnotes.
Raiders cornerback DeAngelo Hall has ligament damage in his right hand and might have to wear a protective cast for the rest of the preseason. Hall’s doctors informed him he won’t require surgery and could play without the cast when the Raiders open the regular season against Denver on Sept. 8.
• Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (foot) was taken off the physically unable to perform list and participated in parts of practice after passing a physical.
• A day after he returned to the practice field, Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck left practice after about 45 minutes when his back began to tighten up. He said he will play in Monday’s preseason game at San Diego.
• Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (hamstring) participated in a full practice for the first time this preseason.
• Receiver Chris Henry, whom a judge referred to as a “one-man crime wave,” signed a two-year deal with the Bengals — the team that let him go during the offseason after he was arrested for a fifth time.
• Bills starting quarterback Trent Edwards suffered a deep bruise to his right quadriceps during practice. It’s unclear whether he will return to practice this week.
• The Titans waived punter Josh Miller and replaced him on the roster by signing defensive back Tuff Harris.
• The Patriots released 13-year veteran tight end Marcus Pollard and signed rookie tight end Tyson DeVree, a former CU standout.
• Receiver Joe Horn, who caught 27 passes for 243 yards and one touchdown after signing a four-year, $14.5 million deal, was released by the Falcons.
• Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin asked to be traded, saying he doesn’t feel his situation can be resolved and declaring he has no relationship with coach Ken Whisenhunt.
• Buccaneers guard Davin Joseph underwent surgery for a broken foot and could be out for Tampa Bay’s season opener.
Meanwhile, receiver Joey Galloway practiced for the first time this summer. He missed all of training camp with a sore groin.
The Associated Press
