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X-rays on Peyton Manning's right thumb proved negative, Colts owner Jim Irsay told the Indianapolis Star. And a whole nation of Colts fans exhaled. OK, maybe it wasn't quite that dramatic. Does anyone think that Manning would sit out the Super Bowl with anything short of a broken arm or leg? He would have thrown left-handed rather than sit out.

The status of cornerback Nick Harper is less certain. He suffered a left ankle sprain during the first quarter of the win over the Patriots and didn't return. His absence is significant. Harper is the most underrated player on the team, in my opinion. He is a strong cover corner who can handle all sizes and shapes of receivers, even those who seem like they have a physical edge on him.

If it turns out to be a high ankle sprain, it's unlikely Harper will be able to play against the Bears on Feb. 4. That's a significant loss. Enough to swing the game to the Bears? No, but it would be a benefit for Bears quarterback Rex Grossman if he doesn't have to worry about Harper. On a positive note, Colts cornerback Marlin Jackson is finally showing some of the potential Colts coaches and management saw in him when they drafted him out of Michigan. His pick of Tom Brady in the final minute will go down in history as one of the Colts' franchise's memorable plays.