but it doesn't appear to be a serious problem for the undefeated Colts.
One day after Manning led Indianapolis to a 31-9 victory
at Tennessee, coach Jim Caldwell said he had not received a doctor's report
regarding the knee, something he would have expected had there been concerns.
"We have doctors that are there all the time. They
certainly have taken a look at it," Caldwell said Monday.
Manning said he hurt the knee when Titans defensive end
Kyle Vanden Bosch hit him late in the first half. Vanden Bosch was called for
roughing the passer, a penalty that helped Indy (5-0) get out from its own
7-yard line as the Colts marched 93 yards for a touchdown to score with 17
seconds left in the half.
The Titans (0-5) were called twice for roughing the
passer on that series and afterward, Manning was asked if he had enticed the
officials to make those calls.
Manning denied it and said he actually had been hurt.
"The first one, I've had that hit before to the knee,"
Manning said. "I don't know if that validates it or not but I've got to see the
doctor after this and get treatment, if that makes it more valid, I guess.
Obviously, when you plant that left leg, it's in a vulnerable position. I wear
that brace for that reason alone, for protecting me there."
It's the same knee Manning needed two surgeries on last
summer to remove infections. He has since acknowledged that missing all of
training camp and the preseason led to a slower-than-usual start in 2008.
The pain didn't appear to inhibit Manning's performance
at Tennessee. He returned in the second half, finished 36-of-44 for 309 yards
with three touchdowns, one interception and extended his streak of consecutive
300-yard games to five.
The NFL record, shared by Steve Young, Kurt Warner and
Rich Gannon, is six.
Manning is not available to reporters until Wednesday,
and he picked the right week if he needs extra recovery time.
Indy has a bye this weekend and won't play again until
Oct. 25 at St. Louis. They may be at full strength by then.
Cornerback Kelvin Hayden said he could have played
against the Titans before deciding to give his injured left hamstring a little
more rest. Hayden has missed the last three games.
Indy also hopes to have safety Bob Sanders, cornerback
Marlin Jackson and left tackle Charlie Johnson back in the lineup against the
Rams.