Jim Sorgi’s shoulder injury may force the Indianapolis Colts to bring in a new backup quarterback.Coach Tony Dungy said Monday the team was awaiting results from Sorgi’s MRI exam before deciding whether to sign another backup.
“If it looks like he’s going to miss some time and some practices, then it’s something we might have to think about,” Dungy said. “We’ll probably know a little more tonight.”
Sorgi was expected to back up two-time MVP Peyton Manning for the third straight season, but he came into training camp with a sore throwing shoulder and was hit hard in each of the Colts’ first two preseason games.
On Sunday night against Seattle, Sorgi entered the game midway through the second quarter and lasted only three plays a handoff to Joseph Addai, an incomplete pass intended for Aaron Moorehead and a pass that was intercepted by Mike Green and run back for a touchdown.
Sorgi winced and grabbed at his shoulder after getting hit on his first pass attempt, then left the game after trying to throw the ball away on the next play. He twisted awkwardly as he threw the ball and was driven into the ground by linebacker Julian Peterson as the ball fluttered to Green.
Dungy said he fell on the same right shoulder that the Colts had been closely monitoring during training camp.
“I’m obviously concerned,” Manning said after the Colts’ 30-17 loss Sunday. “You could tell by his face that he was in a lot of pain. I’m very concerned for him.”
If Sorgi can’t play, Shaun King, a seven-year NFL veteran, would likely inherit the backup job. King replaced Sorgi on Sunday night and finished the game 14-of-22 for 146 yards with one sack.
But King, who signed with the Colts in June and is still learning the complicated offense, insists he will be ready for whatever Indy asks of him.
“I’ve been in every situation,” he said. “My first year, I was the third quarterback and by week 9 or week 11, I was the starter. So I know I have to be ready all the time.”
The Colts have two other possible quarterbacks on the roster, Josh Betts and Mike McGann but both are currently undrafted rookies.
