Favre talks comeback. Peyton talks rehab. And the M&M boys talk about a rookie wide out who could surprise!

MANNING UNDERGOES THE KNIFE
The Indianapolis Colts have announced QB Peyton Manning (knee) had an infected bursa sac removed from his left knee Monday, July 14, and he is expected to make a full recovery. The procedure was routine and Manning should be back at full strength in four to six weeks.

Mancini's Take: Boy, that sounds weird: Manning undergoing surgery. When's the last time we heard something like that about one of the true rocks at the quarterback position. In fact, the all-time great has started all 160 regular season games during his storied 10-year career. There is a chance, according to reports, that Manning may not be ready for Indy's season opener versus Chicago. Don't bet on it, I say. There's no player out there who loves football more than number 18, and I'm sure he'll run out there on one leg if he has to.

Mogollon’s Take: I agree Ralph. This reminds of college players getting suspended during the off-season…until it effects the regular season there isn’t much to it. Just look at it this way—he’s got even more time now to watch game tape (while rehabbing on the treadmill) or to work on skills as a thespian.

FAVRE LASHES OUT AT PACK
During an interview with FOX News on "On the Record with Greta Van Susteren," retired Green Bay Packers QB Brett Favre called out the Packers for saying things differently to the public than have said to him. "Don't make up a lot of stuff or give half of the truth," Favre said about comments that have come from the Packers. "It's ridiculous, it really is." Favre said he gave the team a true answer early in the year when he said he was not 100 percent committed to playing football. "I won't play unless I'm 100 percent committed," Favre said. He said the team needed an answer from him early in the year. "I was told playing in Green Bay was not an option," Favre said after approaching them about a return. "I'm not making it up." Favre said. "It's unfortunate it has come to this"

Mancini's Take: First of all, what is Schizo Favre doing giving an interview to Greta Van Susteren? I mean, when did she start covering sports? What about giving the scoop to someone who follows you around all year? Come back to us, Brett. As far as his comments go, I really don't understand what his intentions are. Is he looking to paint himself as the victim by telling us that the Packers consider him persona non grata? Can we blame Green Bay's front office if they requested an earlier response this offseason? Why should everyone continually be left in the dark on whether the indecisive quarterback decides to return or not. GM Ted Thompson was tired of it. He's done playing games. Let's hope Thompson sticks to his word and keeps Aaron Rodgers as his starter. In that case, trading Favre remains the only option. You cannot even think of making him a reserve. There's just no way. Talk to me, Mogo!

Mogollon’s Take: Maybe Brett sees an opening as John McCain’s running mate, after all if he’s going to be holding a clipboard anyway, he might as well be in the running for the ultimate backup role! Seriously though, any thoughts of having Favre as the backup to Rogers are simply ludicrous. Moving on sounds like the thing to do, but what if Rogers stinks? What then? Lets see if Thompson and headman Mike McCarthy make it to the Championship game without Brett. As for McCarthy, does he have an opinion on this? If so, I’d like to hear it.

OAKLAND QB UPDATE
Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports the Oakland Raiders could be in search of a No. 2 quarterback behind QB JaMarcus Russell should QB Marques Tuiasosopo or QB Andrew Walter fail to earn the nod during training camp.

Mancini's Take: I really don't know what the Raiders expect out of this gruesome twosome. During the past five seasons, Tuiasosopo and Walter have combined to complete a whopping 54% of their throws, along with five touchdowns and 20 interceptions. I know stats can be deceiving, but those numbers speak volumes. At this point, I'd rather have a 39-year-old Jeff George backing up Russell. Heck, a 65-year-old Joe Namath might also be an improvement. The gimpy Hall of Famer, however, doesn't have too many fond memories of the Silver and Black.

Mogollon’s Take: I don’t know exactly what Jeff George would teach Russell…how not to act like a professional in the NFL or maybe how to fail despite have the most raw talent in the league? Point taken with the tag-team of Tuiasosopo and Walter, neither is going to cut it. I guess the Raiders couldn’t find a veteran who can show Russell how to conduct himself on and off the field, as well as provide someone to lean on when times get tough, and they will get tough. Where’s Steve DeBerg when you need him?

DEVINE HOPES TO BE FRUITFULL
The Sports Network reports Washington Redskins QB Derek Devine will compete for the No. 3 quarterback spot during the team's training camp.

Mancini's Take: Redskins HC Jim Zorn is trying to introduce a radically different type of West Coast system than what the team was accustomed to last year. Bringing in an ex-Seahawk should only help his club get up to speed with Zorn's new schemes. Young QB Jason Campbell has his work cut out for him in mastering his new offense. He should see an increase in his passing totals, but he must do a better job of protecting the ball. Last year, the Auburn product had a league-high eight fumbles.

Mogollon’s Take: Does this mean Colt Brennan’s newly signed contract does not assure him a spot on the Redskins roster even after the ink dries? To err is human, to forgive is Devine…a saying all quarterbacks wish coaches would live by. Devine is the ultimate number three quarterback, he was the backup to the backup even in college. I’m not quite sure what he brings to the table here—other than knowing the right place to run to during drills. If Campbell wants to get over his fumbling woes, he’s better off reaching out to Tiki Barber, who may be able pass on Tom Coughlin’s trade secrets.

JONES NARROWS CHOICES TO TWO
The agent for unsigned RB Kevin Jones says his client will sign with either the Steelers or Bears on Tuesday.

Mancini's Take: Signing with the Steelers makes absolutely no sense for Jones if he's looking to earn a prominent role with a new team. Chicago, on the other hand, would be an ideal landing spot for the soon-to-be 26-year-old. Rookie Matt Forte cannot do the job alone. Jones would fill a big hole in Chicago's offense. Forte's bruising style and Jones' speed should give the Bears a very formidable one-two punch.

Mogollon’s Take: I agree 100 percent. Fast Willie Parker has rushed for over 2,800 yards the past two seasons and they added first round Rashard Mendenhall to the mix, not to mention Mewelde Moore. So where exactly would Jones get his carries in Steel town? He would simply be an insurance policy. Meanwhile, in the Windy City there is playing time to be earned, even if Matt Forte turns out to be as good as we think he will. The main competition right now is Garrett Wolfe and the other Adrian Peterson.

BRADSHAW OUT OF CLINK
Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw has been released from the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told the Star-Ledger that whether or not Bradshaw has violated the league’s personal-conduct policy is “under review.”

Mancini's Take: In addition to being booted from the University of Virginia for underage drinking, the young athlete was also reportedly caught stealing a PlayStation 2 from an unlocked dorm room. While his recent probation violation remains a mystery, the Giant family can't be all too thrilled about this player who refuses to grow up. Bradshaw is just one of the many players who take their status as an NFL player for granted. Maybe the second year pro may need a suspension to help set him straight. Travis Henry can tell him a thing or two about that. Ok Danny, let's hear why we should all show some compassion for the wayward youngster.

Mogollon’s Take: Before I take Bradshaw out to the woodshed I’d like to know what he did and when he did it. They must be very good in Southwest Virginia at keeping confidential records confidential—I wish the pipes in my house were this leak free!

ROYAL TO START?
Eddie Royal has a legitimate chance to start at wide receiver for the Denver Broncos, according to Pro Football Weekly. His speed and playmaking ability stand out among Keary Colbert and Darrell Jackson, the players he is battling for that job.

Mancini's Take: Many tabbed Royal as a situational receiver upon being drafted in the second round, but the speedster's skills tell you another story. Although he's just a rookie, Royal's soft hands already give him the upper hand over "Butterfingers" Jackson in the catching department. Colbert, on the other hand, does have decent speed, but doesn't come anywhere close to matching the Virginia Tech product in terms of explosiveness. The hardworking Royal isn't your typical rookie and should produce right from the get-go. I know the Sports Master is also a big fan of this promising wide out.

Mogollon’s Take: The former Hokie has first round measurables, but not the numbers to match. Of course that had more to do with the shoddy quarterback play at Virginia Tech, then his inability to translate potential into production. From all accounts, he’s a hard worker and a good character guy so it wouldn’t shock anyone if he taps his potential in the NFL. Even so, it would come as a surprise if earns a starting role from day one. I like the competition though, neither Jackson nor Colbert should feel a starting role is handed to them.

PATS TWEAK D
John Tomase, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots SS James Sanders will start at free safety this year.

Mancini's Take: Sanders has always been known as a tough phone booth player, but lately, he's also made strides in his coverage skills. The unheralded Sanders is a solid player.

Mogollon’s Take: Still waiting for Mancini to give us one negative view on a Patriots move. Sanders has increased his productivity each year in New England, so maybe he is ready for a full-time role. As much as anything, this speaks to the lack of development of former first rounder Brandon Meriweather. In the past, the Pats have been ale to plug in lesser names and not miss a beat, however it caught up to them last year in the Super Bowl. The game-losing score wasn’t exactly a tight spiral thrown through a small window by Eli Manning. Plaxico Burress was rather unmolested, not exactly reminiscent of running Marvin Harrison ragged all over the field back in the Ty Law days.