Contrary to reports, Peyton insists he will play in 2012

Posted by Evan Silva on January 31, 2012, 3:29 PM EST

Getty Images

ESPN aired an “exclusive” interview with Colts quarterback Peyton Manning on Tuesday afternoon. During the first part of the conversation — the interview will apparently air in separate parts — Manning confirmed to Trey Wingo that he plans to play football in 2012.

“Doctors and I have been in good, constant communication,” said Manning. “And I’m very encouraged by what they’ve said. Everything’s right on point, I’ll be cleared and ready to play.”

Unfazed by reports that his playing days are over, Manning is continuing his rehab process with full intentions of continuing his career.

After Part One of the Wingo interview, Adam Schefter suggested on ESPN’s The Insiders program that Manning is destined to become “the most decorated and high-profile free agent in NFL history.”

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Gronkowski out of walking boot, Light sick

Posted by Josh Alper on January 31, 2012, 10:21 AM EST

Reuters

Team PFT is out at Super Bowl Media Day and we’ll have plenty from the event throughout Tuesday, but a couple of early notes merit a mention before they start filing their dispatches.

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski isn’t wearing the walking boot he has been seen with several times since spraining his ankle against the Ravens in the AFC Championship game. Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston shared this shot of Gronkowski’s feet in sneakers, something that should make Patriots fans happy. Gronkowski said that the boot came off on Monday. While he’s likely to still feel the effects of the injury, there doesn’t seem to be much chance he’ll miss the game.

Tackle Matt Light is not taking part in Media Day. His appearance was scrubbedbecause of illness, according to Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald, and there haven’t been any updates as to the type or severity of the illness at this point. That means we’ll be denied any further discussion about his relationship with Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora.

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Chad Ochocinco and media day

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on January 31, 2012, 11:47 AM EST

AP

18 Patriots received a podium or an area for interviews during Tuesday’s Media Day. Chad Ochocinco, New England’s fifth receiver, was not one of them.

Ochocinco has been a Media Day regular for years. But he seemed a lot more comfortable as an “OCNN” anchor than as a New England Patriot reserve.

Browns have renewed interest in Peyton Hillis

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on January 30, 2012, 11:18 PM EST

AP

Halfway through the 2011 season, Peyton Hillis appeared to be on his way out of Cleveland. His disastrous 2011 season included injuries, poor play, and finger-pointing from his teammates.

A quietly strong end to the season has apparently changed the team’s mind.

Peyton Manning not showing improvement in rehab

Posted by Mike Florio on January 30, 2012, 11:22 PM EST

AP

With each passing day, it seems less and less likely that Peyton Manning ever will play again for the Colts.  The next question is whether he ever will play again for anyone.

On that point, there are ominous indications.  Peter King of Sports Illustrated reported during last night’s Pro Bowl pregame on NBC that Manning isn’t doing well.  Now, Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports reports that Manning has not shown improvement in the velocity of his passes since he began throwing again in December.

Two unnamed “league-affiliated doctors with experience in spinal fusion surgery” tell Cole that it could take up to a year for Manning to know if he can return to action.

As Cole points out, Manning naturally remains optimistic and determined.  But if the nerves don’t improve, there’s really nothing he can do.

And so while his status with the Colts will be known with certainty soon, everything else about his future will remain uncertain for weeks, maybe months.  Maybe longer.

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