Manning throws well, looks sharp in first workout

But the uncertain status of Manning and Sorgi for the season opener may force Indy to rethink its philosophy when making final cuts this weekend.

"It's still to be determined from what we do, and a lot of that will be based on the medical report on Jim and Peyton," Dungy said. "So those guys (Gray and Lorenzen) are both going to play, we'll see how they do and then we'll determine whether we keep four, three or two."

Cincinnati also will be without its most prominent players, Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson, the quarterback-receiver combination that wanted to pattern their games after Manning and Marvin Harrison.

Palmer is out with a broken nose and is expected to be replaced by backup Ryan Fitzpatrick. Johnson will miss the game with an injured left shoulder.

Coach Marvin Lewis still hopes to see running back Rudi Johnson and receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh make their first appearances of the preseason, although they will likely be in cameo roles.

"I would assume very little," Houshmandzadeh said when asked how much he'll play. "But, hey, you know what they say when you assume."

To Rudi Johnson, there's no significance to Thursday's game given the recent trade rumors.

"The (trade) situation has already been presented, the game doesn't really matter," he said.

With Manning back on the field, the Colts' biggest question mark is center Jeff Saturday.

Dungy has not said how much time Saturday, a three-time Pro Bowler who injured a ligament in his right knee during Sunday night's loss to Buffalo, would miss. He was at the team complex Wednesday but was not on the practice field.

"I know Jeff was visiting, getting more looks at it," Dungy said. "But I don't have an update on that."

As for Manning, who didn't speak with reporters Wednesday, teammates thought he looked like his old self.

"It was good to see him back on the field, dressed and ready to go," right tackle Ryan Diem said. "Hopefully, he'll be back all next week. I think he'll be fine because we know how hard he works."