By Tom James
Tribune-Star Correspondent
TERRE HAUTE
August 05, 2008 05:07 pm
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Peyton Manning has certainly been out of sight during the first two weeks of training camp for the Indianapolis Colts.
But the two-time National Football League MVP, who is recovering from surgery to remove an infected bursa sac in his left knee, continues to have his mind on what’s transpiring during the team’s preseason workouts.
Thanks to videotape, Manning has been able to watch and dissect most — if not all — of the Colts’ practice sessions while rehabilitating in Indianapolis and Terre Haute. He’s also had a chance to break down the tape of Sunday night’s preseason opener against the Washington Redskins.
“He’s back here [at Rose-Hulman], going about his business. He’s critiqued the game film. He gave me his impressions of the game. So I think we’re getting back to normal,” Colts coach Tony Dungy said Tuesday.
“I think he was pleased with the way the offense moved the ball. And disappointed that we didn’t score more touchdowns in the red zone. That’s something that we’ve been working on. But I think he was like all of us, that he felt like we had some things that we can build on.”
Dungy said Manning’s involvement with what’s happening during training camp hasn’t wavered, despite his absence from the practice field.
“He’s getting the practice tape. He’s getting the [practice] script. He knows what’s going on at every practice. So he’s doing fine,” the Colts’ coach said. “He’s like he always is. It’s no different for him than if he was actually out there. And that’s what makes him good. He’s analyzing every practice, everything we do. And he’s putting himself in position so when he does come back, it won’t be like he’s been totally away from it. He’s been away from it physically, but mentally he’s going through every practice.”
Dungy hasn’t been the only one to hear from Manning. Back-up quarterback Jim Sorgi, who has been getting most of the work with the Colts’ first-team offensive unit since the start of camp, received a text message after the Washington game.
“I got a text. He said that I did a good job and to keep going and that he was proud of me,” Sorgi said, adding that he doesn’t mind Manning keeping a close eye on what he does.
“When you’re him and you do things as close to perfect as you possibly can all the time, you have the right to critique everybody else.”
• • •
• Roster moves — The Colts released former Ohio State center Doug Datish on Tuesday and re-signed offensive guard Tala Esera. Esera had been waived Saturday when Indianapolis signed rookie placekicker Adam Crossett.
• Injury updates — While rookie running back Chad Simpson, who rolled his ankle against the Redskins on Sunday night, was able to practice Tuesday, a hand full of Colts were forced to watch the morning workout from the sidelines.
Wide receiver Roy Hall (hamstring), defensive end Jeff Charleston (groin pull) and rookie wide receiver Pierre Garcon (hamstring) are expected to miss some practice time. Also, running back Clifton Dawson (strained knee) — along with middle linebackers Brandon Archer (ankle) and Victor Worsley (hamstring) — also sat out Tuesday. Archer and Worsley were slated to get MRIs.
“Roy has a little bit of a hamstring that we may even have to rest this week. He is a little sore and will probably rest his hamstring early in this week anyway,” Dungy said.
“Chad Simpson, who we thought was the worst, actually is doing pretty well. We had muscle injuries. Pierre Garcon’s got a little high hamstring that’s going to keep him out a little while. Jeff Charleston has a little bit of a groin pull that’s going to keep him out for a little bit. But those were three we weren’t really expecting after the game. But nothing that looks like its going to be too major.”
Garcon and Hall probably won’t be available Saturday night at Carolina. Charleston, however, has a chance to play against the Panthers.
Cornerback Michael Coe is scheduled to have exploratory surgery on his left knee today. Rookie linebacker Philip Wheeler, meanwhile, had already undergone surgery on his left knee. Defensive end Ben Ishola (ankle) may be able to return to practice today.
Middle linebacker Gary Brackett (groin) and strong-side linebacker Clint Session (calf) have a chance to return to practice by the end of this week.
Tom James can be reached by e-mail at TJames1475@aol.com.
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