On in relief of an injured Kerry Collins, Curtis Painter completed 5-of-11 passes for 60 yards in Sunday's loss to the Steelers. Painter looked very much like a man with just 28 career attempts to his name, missing badly on a number of throws while losing a fumble that Troy Polamalu would return for a touchdown. With the Colts down to their last chance with four seconds remaining, he bounced a pass off the turf. However, he did display good timing with Pierre Garcon, finding his No. 3 receiver for a trio of completions on Indy's final drive, and appeared far more mobile and quick thinking than Collins. He won't significantly lessen the Colts chances of picking up their first victory if he's forced to start in Week 4.

Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted Saturday "what VET QB would u vote 4 to sign that's out there? If sum1 has 2 hold the fort early season,who u going with?" It's a blatant stab at backup QBs Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky, though certainly not unwarranted considering the ineptitude both showed in the first two preseason games. Indy would be in trouble if Peyton Manning (neck surgery) starts missing real games, and signs are pointing to them bringing a veteran aboard. For what it's worth, Irsay also tweeted that the team would not be drafting former Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor.

According to ex-scout and current NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks, the ineptitude of Colts QBs Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky was "on full display" in the preseason opener. "Painter, in particular, looks unprepared to handle the responsibility of directing the offense as a starter," writes Brooks. "He is repeatedly late with the delivery of his throws, and his ball placement leaves something to be desired." Orlovsky had more success moving the offense, completing 4-of-10 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown, but was also picked twice.

Club president Bill Polian acknowledged Wednesday that the Colts will have to carry three quarterbacks on their active roster this season as insurance behind Peyton Manning (neck surgery). The Colts have historically carried only Jim Sorgi, then Curtis Painter. "In our case, now because of Peyton's situation, we'll probably have to carry a third quarterback," Polian said. "We've never done it before really, we've had that guy on the practice squad." Polian described Painter's training camp performance as "terrific." Dan Orlovsky is the third-stringer, although he may pass Painter eventually.