Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy said Monday that Peyton Manning would start Sunday’s season opener against the Bears.
“I’m sure he’d rather have gone through training camp and gotten his normal reps,” Dungy said. “But we’ve done it before, so I don’t worry about it with a veteran guy. If he was a second-year guy, you might.”
Manning didn’t speak to reporters but will take questions on Wednesday.
*MORE QB NEWS: Derek Anderson, out since Aug. 18 (concussion), returned to Browns practice and will start Sunday against the Cowboys. … Ravens rookie Joe Flacco will start the opener against the Bengals. … Seattle’s Matt Hasselbeck returned to practice and will start in Buffalo. … Matt Flynn beat out Brian Brohm for the Packers’ backup job.
*The Lions signed running back Rudi Johnson, who was released by the Bengals on Saturday. … The Patriots signed two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Deltha O’Neal, cut by the Bengals. … The Broncos claimed safety Calvin Lowry off waivers from Tennessee. … The Panthers signed returner Mark Jones, who was cut by San Diego. … The Raiders signed ex-49ers receiver Ashley Lelie.
*Jaguars running back Fred Taylor apologized to the team for his arrest in Miami Beach on a disorderly conduct charge over the weekend.
*To honor NFL Players Association leader Gene Upshaw, who died Aug. 20, players this season will wear a uniform patch with the initials GU and the number 63 (his number with the Raiders).
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EDITED BY LEE C. GORDON FROM TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICES
