Manning activated, says he's right on schedule for opener

But activating Manning doesn't necessarily mean he will start the season opener, Sept. 7 against Chicago.

"I'm not really doing predictions at this point," Manning said. "I hope to be ready, and I certainly don't want to create this dramatic announcement. I think I will do some parts of practice today and tomorrow and I may even dress for (Thursday's) game though I won't play. We'll do a short practice Monday, and then, hopefully, I'll be full go Wednesday."

If all goes according to plan, No. 18 will then start against Chicago.

The question that still lingers is how long will it take for Manning to round into MVP form?

Even he's not sure.

Manning has never missed this much time as a professional or college athlete. One thing that should help in getting the timing down, is that Manning did participate in the team's spring and summer minicamps and teammates know Manning well enough to know he won't be behind when he steps onto the field.

"He's been doing it forever, he's been doing it since he was 6 years old in his backyard," two-time Pro Bowl receiver Reggie Wayne said. "He and Marvin (Harrison) have been together forever, and this is my eighth year, so you kind of get used to it."

With the Manning saga perhaps nearing a conclusion, there are more injury concerns for a Colts team that has opened the past three seasons with at least seven straight wins.

Indy is still trying to figure out what's wrong with Jeff Saturday's right knee. Saturday, a three-time Pro Bowler at center, was injured during Sunday's game and Dungy said doctors are evaluating how serious the injury is.

"We really don't know, at this point, where it is," Dungy said. "It could be anywhere from a couple of weeks to a major injury. We don't know that yet. Jeff has some options, but we don't know how bad it is and it could be through this weekend before we know for sure."

Fortunately, the Colts drafted three college centers in April -- Mike Pollak in the second round, Steve Justice in the sixth and Jamey Richard in the seventh.

However, Pollak also injured his knee Sunday and isn't expected to play Thursday.

But at least Manning is back in a helmet and pads.

"I've always been confident he'll be ready (for the opener)," Dungy said. "We'll start to see how that goes. One thing is we don't want to put him out there if he's not physically or mentally ready."