While Indianapolis Colts’ perennial All Pro quarterback Peyton Manning is working to rehabilitate from offseason neck surgery, the Colts picked up a little insurance by signing Kerry Collins this week.
Manning continues to make progress and is targeting being ready for the season opener, but ESPN’s Chris Mortensen is reporting that the team’s hierarchy doesn’t believe he will be ready.
General Manager Bill Polian had been speaking with Collins, who had just retired earlier this year. Colts’ owner Jim Irsay announced the addition of Collins on Twitter, and the team confirmed the signing on Wednesday.
“It is a good opportunity to have Kerry become part of the team,” Colts coach Jim Caldwell said in the team’s release. “He is a veteran quarterback who has started many games and he brings dimension and depth to the quarterback position, which will be helpful. He is familiar with our division and will make a great addition to our roster.”
Manning continues to focus on being ready for the opener, but isn’t certain of when he’ll be ready.
“I certainly want to be out there, and it’s hard to keep track of the hours I’ve spent in rehab,” he said. “I was short-changed a little bit by the lockout and I’m going to need every bit of the next two weeks, and then I can give you more of an update with where I am.”
“I have made progress, but I still have some work to do,” he said. “When I’m healthy enough, I’ll be able to play.”
