Marvin Harrison Cleared to Play

As late as last evening, Coach Tony Dungy stated that Marvin Harrison would not suit up until the team's third pre-season game. Well, Harrison must own some custom-made healing potion -- from Belgium, of course -- because less than an hour ago an announcement was made that Harrison will go tomorrow night in Carolina.

" ... the eight-time Pro Bowl receiver participated in two practices in a day for the first time Thursday and came away wanting to play.

"He actually wanted to work those two practices, made it through OK, felt good, wants to get a little bit in," Dungy said.

You don't need me to tell you that this is big news for the Colts. This is only the second pre-season game for the horse, and they get an extra one because of their inclusion in the Hall of Fame Game. With three more exhibitions coming after this one, why push Harrison if he's not ready?

Exactly.

He's obviously ready to go 100 percent. Simply put, rushing someone back from surgery with the talent and pedigree of Harrison would never happen if he wasn't.

Even though Peyton Manning can't yet get on the field, it's going to be valuable experience for CBH (clipboard holder) Jim Sorgi to have the entire supporting cast should Manning miss any real time (yeah right). Harrison's return puts Anthony Gonzalez in the slot and enables Sorgi the full arsenal of weapons. If nothing else, he's sure to have fun ... even if just for a quarter.

Also noted in the article was that defensive captain Gary Brackett will return to action as well, after having missed Sunday's game against the Redskins.

The Colts are missing Manning -- as previously stated -- Bob Sanders, and Dwight Freeney. Still, this is the first pre-season in which the Colts have had such major injury concerns, and it appears as though things are looking up.