Rumors have been flying around the Colts franchise player, now it appears they can be put to rest.

We’ve been hearing that Peyton had another more serious procedure, or will be out half the season. That’s what happens when Manning was sheltered from view since his bursa sac surgery. The Colts probably added to the speculation by keeping him out of harms way to prevent infection…that’s what gets people talking, when the most visible player in team history is AWOL.

Peyton joined his teammates for the first practice at Lucas Oil five weeks after his procedure, and will probably go full bore at practice next week. Expect to see him against Cincinnati next Thursday as he prepares for the season opener. It would take something unusual to keep the competitive Manning off the field.