INDIANAPOLIS -- Peyton Manning proved on Tuesday he can stand, walk and talk.
Next question: Will the two-time MVP start in the Indianapolis Colts' NFL season opener?
Manning made it to his first practice of the season on Tuesday, then ended his self-imposed silence by saying he wanted to play in Indianapolis' first regular-season game on Sept. 7 against the Chicago Bears -- although he couldn't provide a guarantee.
"I've not really had a whole lot to say to tell you the truth," he said. "As to when I'll be back on the practice field, that's still to be determined. Obviously, the sooner the better for me. My goal is to be back for the first game."
Indy's franchise quarterback had been kept out of public view since having surgery to remove an infected bursa sac from his left knee on July 14. Team officials said he was staying away to reduce the risk of another infection.
Since he was drafted No. 1 in 1998, Manning has started all 160 regular-season games and 14 straight playoff games, leading the Colts to eight playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title in 2007.
Team owner Jim Irsay doesn't want to take any chances with his prized player.
If it means Manning would get healthier by taking the first week off and ending the NFL's second-longest streak for consecutive starts by a quarterback, Irsay implied Manning would sit out.
At practice, Manning was minus a helmet and pads, and wore a wrap around his left knee. He threw a few passes but spent most of the time chatting with Irsay and coach Tony Dungy at the new Lucas Oil Stadium.
Throughout Manning's absence, team officials repeatedly said Manning's rehabilitation was on schedule. He was expected to miss four to six weeks, and Dungy believed Manning could be practicing by next week.
The time table remains uncertain, though, and Dungy could not assure fans that Manning would be ready to face the Chicago Bears.
"I don't know if any of those (injured) guys will be out there on the 7th, but my guess is they will be," Dungy said.
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