Manning Deemed Healthy Enough To Practice

INDIANAPOLIS -- Peyton Manning is finally healthy enough to start practicing with the Colts, team officials said Tuesday.

Coach Tony Dungy said the team activated the two-time NFL MVP, clearing the way for him to begin working out with his teammates. Manning had been on the physically unable to perform list since training camp opened after surgery to remove an infected bursa sac from his left knee July 14.

"I've always been confident that he's going to be on track to start and we'll see how that goes. The one thing we won't do, we won't put him out there if he's not ready to go, physically or mentally," Dungy said. "He thinks he's going to be ready, we feel like he will, but if he's not, we'll go to plan B."

Manning was expected to go through team drills for the first time Tuesday afternoon, after which he spoke to reporters.

"I'm just glad this day is finally here and I just have to keep hopefully progressing as time goes forward," he said. "So the goal is to be ready for that season opener and I certainly hope to be and, at this point, I expect to be."

Manning didn't appear with the team until last week when he lobbed a few passes to teammates as the Colts practiced at the new Lucas Oil Stadium.