Manning said last week’s discussion about his “impending’’ departure from football was premature.
While he would not say where he is in his recovery or how close he is to being 100 percent 4 1/2 months after having his latest neck surgery, Manning said new general manger Ryan Grigson inferred the decision about paying him a $28 million bonus in March or letting him become a free agent would be made by team owner Jim Irsay.
“I can’t give you a prediction because Jim and I will sit down at some point and he’ll get a feel for where I am and I’ll get a sense of what direction he wants to go. Right now, I have no idea,’’ said Manning.
The Colts’ coaching search continues, with ESPN.com reporting that Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano interviewed yesterday.
Also, FOXsports.com reported that 49ers special teams coach Brad Seely, who once held that position with the Patriots, is a candidate for the job.
More on Cundiff
The fallout continues from Billy Cundiff’s missed 32-yard field goal attempt Sunday that would have sent the Ravens into overtime in the AFC Championship game against the Patriots, who ended up winning, 23-20.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick told WEEI that he considered calling timeout to freeze Cundiff, but then sensed that the Ravens were in disarray.
“It seemed to me they were rushing a bit,’’ Belichick said. “I felt we were better off letting them go, letting them rush and handle it under pressure rather than give them a chance to settle down and get it all lined up properly.’’
Also, according to a report on FoxSports.com, a Ravens spokesman said that after watching film, team officials confirmed that the scoreboard at Gillette Stadium said it was third down on the kick, instead of fourth down.
An earlier Deadspin report had said that Cundiff felt rushed on the kick because of what he saw on the scoreboard.
Allen Raiders’ man
