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The Associated Press

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INDIANAPOLIS - Now Peyton Manning can start fine-tuning the mechanics, timing and rhythm.

Just don't expect him to try it in Thursday night's pre-season game against Cincinnati.

Coach Tony Dungy increased the two-time league MVP's workload Wednesday, one day after he finally returned to practice and showed no lingering effects from the knee surgery that kept him out for the past six weeks.

"We didn't have him in team work (Tuesday), but he did fine and hasn't experienced any problems," Dungy said. "So far, so good. He'll get a little more work today."

Manning, who has never missed a start in his 10-season NFL career, had surgery July 14 to remove an infected bursa sac from his left knee.

Team officials initially said their franchise quarterback would miss four-to-six weeks, and all along Dungy, president Bill Polian and others contended Manning was on schedule amid speculation he might miss more time.

Manning threw passes with velocity and moved around on his legs Tuesday, but as with most injured players, the real test came Wednesday morning when Manning returned to the team complex. He's on schedule.