Update: Giants need stop gap - (08/25)

Stay with FOXSports.com all day long for the latest sports news. Michael Strahan may come out of retirement to help Giants plus more news.

Sammy ready to slam - (08/25)

Giants veteran Sammy Knights talks about the upcoming season, his influence on rookie Kenny Phillips and much more.

The rook is ready - (08/25)

Rookie Kenny Phillips talks about the upcoming season, not being allowed to hit in practice and much more. Also hear what coach Tom Coughlin has to say about the hard-hitting safety.

NFC North Preview Plus A Look at This Week?s Pre-Season Games - (08/24)

The Blitz welcomes back Dan Wernery as we review the week that was in the NFL.   In the Opening Kickoff, we discuss the career and impact of NFLPA Executive Director Gene Upshaw who died suddenly this past week.  In News & Notes our topics include Steven Jackson’s new contract, Jason Peters’ holdout, the Bengals signing [...]

NFL on FOX Preview: AFC East - (08/24)

Will new faces for the Dolphins and Jets threaten the Patriots' dominance of the AFC East? Jimmy Johnson gives his take.

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NFC East: Cowboys have deep advantage in tough neighborhood - (08/25)

They seem to have it all. 'Seem' being the big word. For all their depth and talent, the Cowboys haven't won a playoff game in almost 12 years. Clark Judge says, even in a tough division, that 'should' change.

AFC East: Jet Favre a nice story, but Pats still team to beat - (08/24)

Yes, the Brett Favre saga dominated the offseason. But the AFC East crown will again go to the Patriots. Pete Prisco says as long as Tom Brady is upright, the Pats are a lock for the division title.

It's a wrap: Training camps provide plenty of material - (08/22)

After a month on the road, camp to camp, town to town, Clark Judge has a few things to tell you. Eli's ready, look out for Selvin Young and don't bank on Brett. Also, get the blueberry pancakes at the Coal Tower.

Bills holdout Peters making all the wrong moves - (08/21)

Jason Peters needs to be with the Bills. Buffalo needs him, but won't talk extension until he joins the team. Peters is racking up fines and losing ground. Clark Judge has advice -- follow Steven Jackson's lead and show up.

Slighted on his way up, Sanders an inspiration to little guys - (08/21)

Bob Sanders was always overlooked, always told he couldn't play with the big boys. But with belief in himself and hard work, Sanders has become an elite safety, and an inspiration to many, Pete Prisco says.

More Indianapolis Colts columns...

Ask the experts - (08/25)

QUESTION: Have you heard anything that puts truth in what Peter King of Sports Illustrated is saying, that Peyton Manning had a second surgery on his knee? Just wondered if that's a rumor or if there is something to it. -- from Phil Achleman, Decatur, IN ANSWER: Peter was referring to an Internet posting last week by Mike Lombardi, a former NFL front-office guy. Without offering anything close to substantiation, Lombardi said he's heard the Colts are more concerned with Manning's availability for the season opener and that Manning apparently had a second procedure on his left knee. We haven't addressed the speculation because no one would give it any credence. Did Manning require a second operation? Maybe. But it would be irresponsible for us to go with that without some proof, or without having the opportunity to ask Manning. He has not been available for comment since the rumor surfaced. QUESTION: What are the Colts' options at center if Jeff Saturday is out for a while? Why was he in the game that late anyway? -- from Jim S., Garrett, IN ANSWER: Saturday and several other front-line players still were in the game late in the third quarter because the coaching staff planned on playing those guys extensively in this game. They played much less in the first three preseason games and won't play much at all in the final preseason game Thursday against the Bengals. It's probably realistic to expect Saturday to miss at least the first regular-season game. If he's out for a short period of time, the Colts might turn to rookie Steve Justice. Things might be dicey if Saturday's injury is long-term. Normally, the Colts could go with guard Ryan Lilja at center, but Lilja has yet to practice after undergoing offseason knee surgery. QUESTION: Curious about your take on the Colts' offensive and defensive lines. I know both have struggled in the preseason, but my sense has been that the rookies on the offensive line have generally done well (and that Mike Pollak looks to be the starter at right guard). As for the defensive line, I know it has hurt not to have Quinn Pitcock in the rotation. What are the chances of getting a decent defensive tackle from the waiver wire in the next few days? Bill Polian sounded like he thinks the defensive line situation is desperate. -- from Steve, Carmel, IN ANSWER: Until recently I would have said the offensive line was in great shape. But then Pollak injures his right knee in practice and center Jeff Saturday hurts his right knee in the preseason game versus Buffalo. Now, that young depth might be required to play much more and much earlier than anticipated. Again, it's conceivable rookie Steve Justice will open the season at center. Don't forget starting left guard Ryan Lilja still hasn't practiced. As for the defensive line, I'd feel better if everyone was healthy and one of the young guys had really stepped up. Right now, Ed Johnson and Keyunta Dawson are the starters with Eric Foster, Joe Bradley, Colin Ferrell and Darrell Reid in the backup mix. If those guys falter, it's possible the coaching staff will decide to move Raheem Brock back to tackle.

Ask the experts - (08/21)

QUESTION: I was having a discussion with a co-worker (a dreaded Patriots fan) and we were talking about Peyton Manning's streak of starts, and how important it is to him. Do you think if he is not ready to go on Sept. 7 the Colts will give him a one-snap handoff play to keep the streak alive? -- from Wayne, Leominster, MA ANSWER: I hope not. I know the streak of 160 consecutive regular-season starts means a ton to Manning. But it means so much because it shows that he's been there for his team and teammates for 10 straight seasons. To put him out there for one play, then replace him with Jim Sorgi would, to me, make a sham of the streak. Either he's ready to play and the streak goes on, or he isn't ready and it's over. I understand Colts fans are getting anxious regarding Manning's availability. I'm not too worried. Yet. My concern will grow if he isn't on the practice field next week. It will increase exponentially if he's still not out there the week before the Sept. 7 opener against the Chicago Bears. I might be wrong, but I believe Manning and the offense can regain their timing -- or enough of it -- if he's back at practice the Monday of the Bears game. QUESTION: I asked this question before about Marcus Pollard after he was released by Seattle. Do you think the Colts have an interest in him now that he was released by the Patriots? -- from Jim Naumann, Denver, PA ANSWER: From a reporter's standpoint, I've love to see the Colts sign Pollard. He's a great guy and a great quote in the locker room. But I can't imagine the Colts giving him a second look. They're loaded at tight end with young talent -- Dallas Clark, Jacob Tamme, Tom Santi, Gijon Robinson, Zac Herold. No room for Pollard. And with all due respect to him, no need. QUESTION: What do you believe the chances are of safety Jamie Silva making the team? In addition, can you see the Colts carrying three quarterbacks during the regular season? -- from Adam Dejesus, Indianapolis ANSWER: Silva's been a fun guy to watch during the preseason. He's very aggressive and gets to the football. But I think he's fighting an uphill battle. The Colts have very good depth at the position with Bob Sanders, Antoine Bethea, Matt Giordano, Melvin Bullitt and Brannon Condren. If he doesn't make the final cut to 53, maybe he'll get a spot on the practice squad. As for carrying three QBs, it's possible. If the Colts carry three, that tells me either Manning isn't ready for the start of the season or the team is concerned he won't be 100 percent. QUESTION: I'm from Fresno and I have been trying to find an update on Philip Wheeler. Is he close to being ready and is he going to be ready for the opener? Help me out, boss man. -- from Matthew, Fresno, CA ANSWER: Wheeler had surgery on his left knee earlier this month but is expected to be back on the practice field in a week or so. That's good news for the defense. He's a big linebacker (6-2, 240) who'll help with depth at the position and on special teams.

Ask the experts - (08/14)

QUESTION: Could you explain the practice squad to us? What portion of their salary is paid to them? How many are on the squad? Can they be taken by another team or are they locked on with that team? -- from Gusski, Syracuse, NY ANSWER: Teams are allowed to carry eight players on their practice squad during the regular season. They can form their practice squad on Aug. 31, which is the day after training camp rosters are cut to the regular-season limit of 53. Those players are part of the team during the week, meaning they go to meetings and practice. However, they are not eligible for a game unless they are signed to the active roster. A player on the practice squad makes about $80,000 if he's with a team all 17 weeks. But since these guys often move from team to team, it's a more accurate barometer to say they get about $4,700-$4,800 per week. And these guys basically are free agents. The Colts can sign a player off of another team's practice squad at any time, and vice versa. QUESTION: When will Peyton Manning be back on the practice field? -- from Bob Gibson, San Antonio, TX ANSWER: The team has repeatedly been a bit vague on that. We generally get a mid-August return date when we ask. Coach Tony Dungy said the other day that Manning is doing his rehab work and progressing, but wasn't able to give a specific time for him to return to the practice field. I'm not concerned at this point that Manning isn't practicing. But if we're still talking about this in two weeks, then I'm worried. Manning and the No. 1 offense probably need 10 days or two weeks of work to recapture their timing. QUESTION: Why is Jim Sorgi the backup quarterback? He looks horrible every preseason. A deer in the headlights under pressure. He gets sacked and turns it over way too much. Quinn Gray and Jared Lorenzen have shown much more poise under pressure and have outplayed Sorgi this preseason. -- from Jeff Rexroat, Greenwood, IN ANSWER: Let the Sorgi-bashing begin. Happens every summer about this time. Maybe it's that fans have unrealistic expectations regarding Sorgi. Trust me, I'd be concerned about the long-term future of the Colts if we were looking at 16 games without Peyton Manning and with a backup who had started exactly zero games. But in the short term, I believe Sorgi is a viable option. He has played adequately in the few instances he's been on the field with the No. 1 offense. Those two turnovers at Carolina weren't his fault. It might have helped if left tackle Tony Ugoh had at least slowed Julius Peppers a bit. I'm sure fans will be calling for Quinn Gray or Jared Lorenzen to replace Sorgi, but I will be very surprised if that happens. If the Colts keep a third quarterback, I believe it will be a sign there is some lingering concern with Manning's knee, not Sorgi's ability to be the backup. QUESTION: What is the reason for switching Raheem Brock back out to end? It seems to me we drafted a couple of DEs (Marcus Howard and Curtis Johnson), plus with Quinn Pitcock's retirement we seem to be thin at DT. We also seem thin at LB. Do you have any insight as to what the Colts are thinking regarding DT and LB? -- from Don, Killen, AL ANSWER: Good question on Brock, especially with what looks to be a tenuous situation at tackle. I get the impression this is a trickle-down effect from Dwight Freeney's foot injury. It appears the plan is for Brock to be the starting left end in the base defense with Robert Mathis, the normal starting left end, moving to right end. That allows the team to bring Freeney along slowly at the start of the season. I expect the Colts to use Freeney as they did during his rookie season - as a situational pass rusher at least during the first half of the season. They don't want to overwork him and put too much of a burden on his foot. In passing situations, Brock will move back inside to tackle with Freeney at right end and Mathis at left end. That all sounds good, but the young tackles must hold up for it to work. Ed Johnson and Keyunta Dawson are working as the starting tackles with Eric Foster, Colin Ferrell, Joe Bradley and Darrell Reid divvying up time as backups. The Colts are thin at linebacker because those guys keep getting hurt. As long as they regain their health, they'll be fine. Not great, but fine. QUESTION: Last year when the D-line had two 300-pounders, they were pretty good against the run. This year, they're down to one big guy. My question is where's the beef? -- from Paul Morgan, Pittston, PA ANSWER: The beef is pretty lean on the Colts' defensive line. But it was last year, too. If you want to split hairs, the Colts didn't have any 300-pound D-linemen last year. Quinn Pitcock was listed at 299 and Ed Johnson at 296. The rest of the guys were 288 or lighter. This summer, there's actually a few more big guys, although there's no guarantee they'll all make the roster. Johnson is still listed at 296, and he's supported by rookie Colin Ferrell (301) and first-year player Joe Bradley (305). As I'm sure you've noticed, Tony Dungy doesn't put a lot of emphasis on size. He prefers speed and athleticism. I've always believed the key to the run defense is the play of the linebackers. If they provide proper support, the run defense is fine. If they whiff on tackles, teams run wild. QUESTION: With Mike Hart playing as well as he has picking up the blitz, running and catching out of the backfield, could you maybe shed some light on why the coaches are giving him so few touches and listing him fifth on the depth chart? I would like to see him get a chance to play with the starting offensive line. Also, do you see him making the team? I personally think he may be the steal of the 2008 draft. His numbers at Michigan were amazing and he sure doesn't look slow to me. -- from Tracy, Sandborn, IN ANSWER: I never get too out of sorts with the preseason depth chart. Hart isn't the fifth-best back on the roster. You're right, he's played well when he's been given the chance and that's what is important. Hart has shown he belongs and can be productive at this level. To me, he looks like a solid No. 3 back behind Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes.

Ask the experts - (08/11)

QUESTION: I have to admit I'm concerned about the pass rush. Without Dwight Freeney, the pass rush was virtually non-existent last year. Robert Mathis tends to benefit from Freeney being at the other end drawing a double team. My concern is that so far this preseason, the defensive line isn't getting the push it needs. What are your concerns about the Colts' pass rush, even with Freeney coming back? -- from Jeremy, Warwick, RI ANSWER: My level of concern with the pass rush if Freeney returns to form? Zero. It's been pretty meek during the preseason, but keep in mind Freeney hasn't played and Mathis played only a handful of plays. You're right, when Freeney is out, the pass rush suffers. But when he and Mathis are on the field, the pass rush is pretty good. That tandem should only enhance the play of Raheem Brock as well as rookie pass rusher Marcus Howard. QUESTION: Your review of the Carolina loss said nothing about Tony Ugoh. Were the two early sacks on him? Did he look as bad to you as it appeared to me? -- from Marty, Oakland, CA ANSWER: I thought Ugoh had a very bad game. He was dominated by Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers. The entire line had a sub-par game. I'm sure position coach Howard Mudd tore into that group pretty good during meetings as they reviewed the Panthers game. I'll be very surprised if the protection is as shoddy Saturday night in Atlanta. QUESTION: Tony Ugoh was burned several times by Julius Peppers; beaten pretty bad on several plays in the first quarter. Should we be worried? -- from Larry, Vero Beach, FL ANSWER: Am I worried today? No. Now, if Ugoh struggles again next week or the following week against Buffalo, then I'll change my mind. It was obvious to me Peppers is re-energized after a poor 2007 season, and Ugoh was no match. Let's see if he rebounds. QUESTION: Do you think the Colts will or should bring in Takeo Spikes to help out at linebacker? If not him, then who else can they bring in? Also, has Aaron Moorehead signed with another team? -- from Jerron, Spring, TX ANSWER: Spikes signed with the San Francisco 49ers, so you can forget about him. And barring more injuries to the position, I think you can forget about the Colts signing a veteran. If there was a vet they really liked, he'd already be here learning the defense. I believe the coaching staff really likes the potential of the young group of linebackers. Those guys just need to stay on the field. As for Moorehead, he's still unsigned.

Ask the experts - (08/07)

QUESTION: This question hopefully is a long way off, but will Peyton Manning and the Colts discuss the transition process in advance so Colts/Manning fans don't have to go through what Green Bay fans are dealing with now? I would love to see Manning end his career as a Colt, but understand that teams move on before players are ready. -- from Paul, Columbus, OH ANSWER: You're right. This speculation probably is a long way off. I believe Manning will play another five or six years. I mentioned to owner Jim Irsay the other day that I hoped when Manning decides to retire, he really decides to retire so we don't go through what Green Bay went through. He said he and Manning have talked about the Packers/Favre situation. I believe Manning will know when it's time. I don't see him waffling. But having said that, there's really no way to prepare for a possible scenario of an elite player retiring, then changing his mind. QUESTION: Should Colts fans be concerned about the rehabilitation of Peyton Manning? And if so, do you think Jim Sorgi can do the job? -- from Ellis M. Walker Sr., Edgewood, MD ANSWER: I'm not overly concerned, and won't be as long as Manning is able to get a couple of weeks of practice in before the Sept. 7 regular-season opener. That should give him and the No. 1 offense enough time to regain their timing. Now, if you ask the same question Aug. 31 and Manning still isn't on the practice field, then I'll be worried. As for Sorgi, the Colts are confident he can handle things. I'm confident he can handle things in the short term. I thought he played pretty well in the preseason opener against the Redskins when he had the benefit of the front-line players. I've always felt sorry for Sorgi in previous preseasons when he was out there with a lot of guys who simply were not going to make the roster. He got roughed up quite a bit. QUESTION: I realize that it is still very early in the preseason, but how do you see the tight end position shaping up right now, specifically the blocking role or replacing Ben Utecht? -- from Gary, Arlington, TX ANSWER: There's a lot of youth behind Dallas Clark. The guy to keep an eye on is Gijon Robinson, who spent the 2007 season on the Colts' practice squad. He's working with Clark in the starting lineup in the two-tight end set. Robinson is a pretty good blocker, but has shown good receiving skills as well. Jacob Tamme has played well in practice. To me, he's closer to a Clark-clone than a blocking tight end. The jury still is out on Tom Santi. He had surgery on his left knee to remove an infected bursa sac and has not been cleared for practice. QUESTION: T.J. Rushing has been lackluster as the Colts' kick returner. Pierre Garcon looked good in that role in the Hall of Fame Game. Do you have a sense on whether Rushing will be the guy again this year, or might the Colts try to switch it up? -- from Adam, Indianapolis ANSWER: Too soon to tell. I thought Rushing was OK as a return guy last year. Not great by any means, but adequate. He had the one big return, a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown against Oakland. And I thought Rushing did a pretty good job against the Redskins. He had a 67-yard touchdown on a punt return nullified by a holding penalty. But it's possible one of the new guys will beat him out. Maybe Garcon, Courtney Roby or Devin Aromashodu. The return game seems to be the one area that is decided last during the preseason.

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