The news was quarteracks Thursday around the Indianapolis Colts, but the news wasn’t nine-time Pro Bowl QB Peyton Manning.

Jim Sorgi, the Colts’  backup quarterback since 2004, missed practice Wednesday with a shoulder injury. Sorgi and Coach Head Coach Jim Caldwell each said they expected Sorgi to be fine.

“I think he is good to go,” Caldwell said as the AFC South-leading Colts (8-0) prepared to play the AFC East-leading Patriots (6-2) at Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis Sunday at 8 p.m. “He just felt a little tweak. We thought it better to examine it and find out of there’s any problem. He thinks he’s fine.”

If Sorgi is unavailable, rookie Curtis Painter is the next option at the position. A sixth-round selection from Purdue, he showed good poise in preseason, convincing the Colts to keep a third quarterback for the first time since 2004.

“If you do have to make any adjustments, it makes for a smooth transition,” Caldwell said.

Said Painter, “I’ve tried to prepare each week like I was the starter. I’m trying to learn as much as I can so I’m ready to be in that situation.” 

Also, Caldwell said rookie RB Donald Brown “looked fine” in practice Wednesday. Brown, who missed the last two games with a shoulder injury, said Thursday he is planning to play Sunday. 

Colts rookie RB Donald Brown, who has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury, said Thursday he plans on playing against the Patriots. He practiced full participation Wednesday. He had practiced Wednesday and Thursday last week before missing practice Friday.