Coach Chuck Pagano says the Colts aren't considering free agent LB Gary Brackett as a potential replacement for MLB Pat Angerer (broken foot). Pagano cited the team's transition to a 3-4 defense. Brackett has made no known visits since his March release from the Colts. It's a troubling sign for his NFL future that he's not even a consideration in a place where he played for nine years.

Free agent LB Gary Brackett recently received medical clearance to resume playing after a 2011 torn left rotator cuff. Brackett's market has been dry since his March 9 release. He may get sniffs now that doctors gave him clearance, but he's an injury-prone, 32-year-old, undersized 4-3 linebacker without elite run-stopping skills. Brackett will struggle to attract offers worth in excess of the veteran's league minimum.

Colts released MLB Gary Brackett.

Colts MLB Gary Brackett (injured reserve) underwent surgery three weeks ago to repair damage to his left rotator cuff. Brackett is looking a six-month recovery timetable. "Typically with shoulders, guys come back full strength," said Brackett. "I don't have any concerns whether I'll be ready for next season." Turning 32 in May, Brackett will be due $5 million in 2012. Pat Angerer's strong play could easily make him expendable.

Colts placed MLB Gary Brackett (shoulder) on injured reserve, ending his season. Injuries are beginning to catch up to Brackett, who's played one full season since 2005. Now 31 years old, Brackett threatens to be Pipped by Pat Angerer, who fills hard versus the run and will continue to rack up tackles. Brackett's salary leaps to $5 million next year. He's probably done with the Colts.

The Indianapolis Star suggests Gary Brackett may need to accept a pay cut after this season. Brackett's base salary jumps from $2 million in 2011 to $5 million in 2012. And since he's been sidelined by a shoulder injury, Pat Angerer has been a difference-maker in the middle. Brackett will be 32 in May.

Colts declared LB Gary Brackett, QB Peyton Manning, CB Kevin Thomas, SS Melvin Bullitt, LB Ernie Sims, G Ryan Diem and DT Fili Moala inactive for Week 3 against the Steelers. Dallas Clark (foot) is active. With both Sims and Brackett out for the second straight week, the Colts are going to have almost no chance of slowing down Rashard Mendenhall this evening. Mike Pollak should get the start in place of Diem, who is nursing a hight-ankle sprain.

Colts coach Jim Caldwell has ruled out MLB Gary Brackett (shoulder) and LB Ernie Sims (knee) for Week 2. The Colts haven't revealed the nature of Brackett's injury, but it's another unneeded blow to an Indianapolis run defense that has no prayer. Look for Pat Angerer to move from the strong side to middle linebacker, where he'll start against the Browns. WLB Kavell Conner is expected to play Sunday, but is battling a bum left foot. Philip Wheeler figures to start at Sam. Peyton Hillis will be the best matchup-play running back in the NFL this week.

Colts MLB Gary Brackett is unsure of how much time he may miss after injuring his shoulder in Sunday's loss to the Texans. When asked how he felt on Monday, Brackett only responded "sore." Not typically a cause for concern, but it is for a player who was limited to just one game last season as he dealt with groin and toe injuries. Brackett has appeared in more than 12 games just once since 2007.

Healthy after missing four games last season, Colts MLB Gary Brackett has been working out five days a week during the lockout. "I have a trainer," Brackett said. "I work out five days a week, just like I would regularly. I maintain my body just like I would regularly." Brackett dealt with hand, toe and groin injuries last season, and has missed at least two games each of the past three years. Now 31, it won't get any easier for him to stay healthy in 2011.