This reinforces the idea that Manning's neck issue is more serious than previously let on. In a previous article I wrote a few days ago, I suggested that muscle weakness/slow nerve regeneration was the true cause of Manning being sidelined. Recovery of that type can be frustratingly slow, and there's not much that can be done to actually speed up the healing of nerves.
It was becoming clear that if Manning wasn't back in time for the season opener, the Colts would be in serious trouble without a good quarterback in place. Backups Curtis Painter, Dan Orlovsky, and Mike Hartline were all ineffective in their first two pre-season games.
While there were other veteran free agent quarterbacks out there (Marc Bulger, Jake Delhomme, Brett Favre - is Vinny Testeverde still alive?), Collins has college ties with head coach Jim Caldwell. Caldwell was an assistant coach with Penn State when Collins played there.
This is an excellent move for the Colts. Collins is still capable of playing well, will be a steady presence in the huddle, and won't gripe on the sidelines when he goes back to the bench after Manning returns. I fully expect the Colts to keep Collins the entire season regardless of how Manning's recovery goes.
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