He did limited work at practice last week, which led to back pain. The team issued a statement yesterday saying that team doctors evaluated Manning over the weekend and instructed him to stop practicing while he undergoes more tests.
The question is whether the Colts can survive without their franchise quarterback, whose streak stands second in NFL history to Brett Favre’s among all QBs.
Tressel’s duties on hold The Colts won’t use former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel as a replay consultant until the seventh game of the season. The team recently announced it would employ Tressel as a game-day consultant. In a statement, Colts vice chairman Bill Polian said that “questions were raised with respect to the equity of his appointment as opposed to suspensions being served this season by present and former Ohio State players.’’
Meriweather turns corner Brandon Meriweather, who is coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons, insisted he’s just looking forward to a fresh start with the Bears and had nothing but praise for the Patriots and coach Bill Belichick.
“I have a lot of respect for that organization,’’ he said. “I have a lot of respect for Bill and the rest of the people, the rest of the staff there, but that’s behind me.’’
Meriweather called the Bears “a first-class organization’’ and said he hopes to be ready for the opener against Atlanta. He also sidestepped questions about his role and the reasons the Patriots gave for releasing him.
“That’s between me and coach,’’ Meriweather said. “I’m sure if you called Bill and asked him, I’m sure he’d give you all the details.’’
Said Bears coach Lovie Smith, “I don’t see what Belichick has to do with us. We make our decisions based on what we see. We like Brandon being a part of our team.’’
