Indianapolis' franchise quarterback

But with the Colts 0-8 and the playoffs seemingly out of reach, there's only one big reason to push Manning to practice -- finding out how close Indianapolis' franchise quarterback is to 100 percent.
"That is much more important to us because we know he's not going to play six or seven more years," Polian said, reiterating that Manning is nearing the end of his career and again pointing out the quarterback needs to feel he still can play at a high level.
But it's unlikely the Colts would play Manning in meaningless December games when they haven't played him much in previous Decembers, after the Colts traditionally clinch their playoff seed. There's another reason for keeping him on the bench this year, too.
"I'm not sure we would necessarily play him in ballgames with our offensive line as beaten up as it is right now," Polian said.
The Colts already was trying to rebuild their line this season after using a first-round draft pick on tackle Anthony Castonzo and a second-round selection on tackle Ben Ijalana. But injuries have forced Indianapolis to replace three opening-day starters along the line and move a fourth to another position.
It has been said that one of the reasons Andrew Luck passed on entering the draft last year was because he didn't want to be on the Panthers. That may be a rumor who knows? Anyways he may want to play right away plus he might not want to be on a team he feels may stink for a while. Sure he could learn from the best in Peyton Manning if the Colts got him but he might look at how the Colts have drafted (ignoring defense) and built there team around Manning in past seasons and possibly demand a trade. It seems to me that Luck is not all about the money or he would have entered the draft last year so that tells me he wants to join a team he feels will be a winner in a fairly short period of time. It seems to me and a lot of other people that the Colts have a much bigger need than a qb now. They need at least a competent defense to keep their games somewhat close. They could easily take Luck and trade him for several picks this year and possibly the first pick next year to basically rebuild their defense.
Montario Hardesty tore a calf muscle during Sunday's 20-10 loss at San Francisco, leaving Cleveland with only one healthy running back on its current roster. Coach Pat Shurmur said Hardesty will be out an indefinite period.
"It will be games," said Shurmur, who added that Hardesty is wearing a protective boot. "It will take him a little time to heal up from this injury. I can't tell you how many (games)."