The rash of injuries has not only left Indy short-handed because of the NFL’s reduction in training camp rosters, but also prompted Reggie Wayne, who usually makes a funny entrance, to take a more serious approach.

He was even asked if he considered showing up on crutches.

“That would not be funny,” he said. “I was going to do something but with all the stuff going on, I just decided to be me.”

Polian announced all nine of the team’s draft picks had signed their contracts including two players — linebacker Philip Wheeler and Santi — whose deals could not be confirmed Wednesday night. The team also waived quarterback Josh Betts and guard Mike Elgin and claimed offensive lineman Doug Datish off waivers from Atlanta.

But with so many injuries to key players, everyone wants to know when they will return.

“If it was up to me, I would have played January whatever,” Freeney said, referring to the Colts’ playoff game against San Diego. “But I know it’s a process. I think it will be about three weeks till I get back out there, and I think the game plan is to have me play in the fourth or fifth (preseason) game.”

No date has been established for Manning’s return to the field, either.

Polian said an infection specialist must first clear Manning to practice, and then he’ll have to work on his conditioning.

“He has to rehabilitate the knee because an infection is debilitating,” Polian said.

In the meantime, Manning will continue to study film, toss a few balls, talk to friends and teammates and hope for a quick return.

“It’s hard to know how much time I’ll need to get ready because I’ve never had to experience it before,” he said. “Obviously, you hope through 11 years and more with the minicamps and summer school, I have enough deposits in the bank to be ready for a new season without much work in training camp. I don’t think you can just parachute in the Sunday of the Bears game and be ready.”

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