Colts Add Kerry Collins For Insurance

Added on Aug 24, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

With Peyton Manning’s availability for the season opener in doubt, the Colts finally added some insurance by signing the recently retired Kerry Collins. Collins called it quits in July after the Titans elected to clean house at quarterback. Manning has never missed a start in his career, but his recovery from neck surgery is taking longer than anticipated.

Rather than run the risk of rolling out untested Curtis Painter or journeyman Dan Orlovsky against the Texans on September 11th , Indy wisely turned to Collins, who at 38 still has a proven arm. Head coach Jim Caldwell said all the right things regarding the acquisition.

“It is a good opportunity to have Kerry become part of the team,” said Caldwell. “He is a veteran quarterback who has started many games and he brings dimension and depth to the quarterback position, which will be helpful. He is familiar with our division and will make a great addition to our roster.”

Collins has thrown for over 40,000 yards and 200 touchdowns in 16 seasons with the Panthers, Saints, Giants, Raiders and Titans. In 2010, he started seven games and finished with 1,826 yards, 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His best season came in 2000 when he led the Giants to the Super Bowl after throwing a career high 22 touchdown passes.

Colts owner Jim Irsay joked in recent days about luring Brett Favre from his 37th retirement, but no one except Irsay seemed to be laughing. At any rate, Collins was probably the best option at this stage of the preseason. Finding someone with his resume in late August is a luxury.

As for Manning, he’s been down this will he or won’t he be ready road before. In 2008 he missed the entire exhibition slate while recovering from surgeries to an infected bursa sac on his left knee. He went on to start all 16 games and won the league MVP.

Bottom line: Manning will likely take the field in Week 1. If he doesn’t, the Colts at least have someone capable of throwing a forward pass.

Source: NFL.com