Finally.
After a grueling training camp with notable absences, a longer than usual preseason and roster cuts, the defending AFC South Champion Indianapolis Colts have arrived at the start of the NFL regular season.
Whether they are ready; however, is an altogether separate issue.
Given this year’s uncharacteristic absences and with many players still on the mend, the immediate outlook for the Colts is in the air.
On paper, the team still appears to have the personnel and coaching to reclaim a playoff nod at the very least, though the battle for the division crown will be as tough as ever.
If the preseason showed anything, which it rarely does in Colts’ country, it was that the health of their starters will be absolutely crucial throughout this long season.
When the Colts begin their quest for a Super Bowl berth this Sunday against the Super Bowl XLI foe Chicago Bears, they already do so at a deficit with offensive guard Ryan Lilja and linebacker Tyjuan Hagler out at least six weeks, and center Jeff Saturday likely out this weekend.
Injuries notwithstanding, Colts head coach Tony Dungy is eager to get the regular season under way and remains optimistic in this team’s prospects.
“It is fun to be here at the start of the regular season, to get work in and get rolling. I think this is what everybody looks forward to,” Dungy said.
For quarterback Peyton Manning, the start of the regular season could not have come soon enough.
Sidelined all training camp and preseason while recovering from his July knee surgery, the All-Pro is entering his 11th season without the benefits from which he has grown accustomed.
Manning returned to practice last week and is expected to take all snaps this week as the team’s attention shifts to preparation for the season opener.
“It feels good to get back there, doing the same things the rest of the guys are doing,” Manning said. “Having to do rehab and having to miss practice is not the situation you want to be in, but it’s something you have to do.”
In actuality, rehab is something Manning will continue to do throughout the season. It is obviously not the ideal situation for a Hall-of-Fame caliber quarterback, particularly with two starting offensive linemen out, possibly for an extended period. Additionally, reserve offensive guard Mike Pollak is also likely out for Sunday, further weakening the depth at O-line.
What is likely, in fact, is that Manning will take snaps under a rookie at center in either Jamie Richard or Steve Justice.
Manning is under no illusions as to the state of his line, or his knee for that matter.
Still, he is somewhat confident in getting the next major test this Sunday night in primetime.
“It would be hard to sit here and say there’s no doubt in my mind, because you’re still dealing with rehabilitation and how the knee responds to the amount of work that we’re doing, but (starting) is certainly where I intend to be on Sunday,” Manning added.
Though they are far less than 100 percent entering the start of the regular season, betting against a perennial powerhouse is seldom a good option.
For a team that has long handled adversity with grit and determination, the Colts first real challenge this weekend may be a tell tale of things to come.
