Next question: Will the two-time league MVP start in the Colts' season opener?

Manning attended his first practice of the season yesterday, then ended his self-imposed silence by saying he wanted to play in Indianapolis' first regular-season game Sept. 7 against Chicago - although he couldn't provide a guarantee.

"I've not really had a whole lot to say, to tell you the truth," he said. "As to when I'll be back on the practice field, that's still to be determined. Obviously, the sooner, the better for me. My goal is to be back for the first game."

Indy's franchise quarterback had been kept out of public view since having surgery to remove an infected bursa sac from his left knee July 14. Team officials said he was staying away to reduce the risk of another infection.

Things began changing Monday night when the former Super Bowl MVP arrived at the PeyBack Foundation's charity bowling event, which was closed to the media.

Over the past couple of weeks, local radio talk shows have been filled with questions about whether Manning's knee was worse than originally diagnosed and whether he might miss the season opener - or additional games - and a local television station showed an apparent photo of Manning at the bowling tournament Monday with a brace over his right knee.

By yesterday morning, Manning was back at practice in his familiar No. 18 jersey, minus a helmet or pads, and wearing a wrap around his left knee. He threw a few passes but spent most of the time chatting with team owner Jim Irsay and coach Tony Dungy.

Afterward, Manning took questions for the first time since a conference call July 24, the date his teammates reported to training camp, and he wasted no time in dismissing the growing speculation.

"This, maybe, will stop some of the whining going on," he said. "I just didn't want to get into these daily progress reports. I've done nothing but rehab, I guess we're sort of in the rumor mill now. I don't wear a knee brace, I wore this [wrap] today, really for the first time.

"If we're to the point of someone putting a cell-phone picture on the news, that's a little disappointing. So I guess I'll squash that right now, it's not true. I don't wear a knee brace."

Throughout Manning's absence, team officials have repeatedly said Manning's rehabilitation is on schedule. He was expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks, and Dungy thinks Manning could be practicing by next week.

The timetable remains uncertain, though, and Dungy could not assure fans that Manning would be ready to face the Bears.

"I don't think we can guarantee that," Dungy said. "I don't know if any of those [injured] guys will be out there on [Sept. 7], but my guess is they will be."

Noteworthy

The signing helps the team but raises questions about its commitment to holding players accountable for their actions. Henry must serve a four-game suspension from the NFL - his third such punishment - before he can fully rejoin the team.

The move was stunning in light of Lewis' statement shortly before training camp opened that the team had permanently parted ways with the receiver, who has been arrested five times since he joined the Bengals.

The Bengals evidently feel differently after Pro Bowl receiver Chad Johnson sprained his left shoulder during a 27-10 preseason loss to Detroit, leaving his status uncertain. Pro Bowl receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh has missed both preseason games with a hamstring injury as well.

* Veteran wide receiver Joe Horn was released by the Atlanta Falcons, and said he is looking forward to pursuing a job with another team. Horn has 603 career receptions for 8,744 yards and 58 touchdowns.

* The New England Patriots released 13-year veteran tight end Marcus Pollard.

* A day after he returned to the practice field, Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck left practice after about 45 minutes when his back began to tighten up. He returned at the start of the afternoon session to do some stretching with the team, but walked off the field and back into the locker room with the rest of the injured Seahawks. *