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The biggest change, of course, is not seeing No. 18 around town.
Manning was released March 7, a move designed to help quicken the rebuilding process, and eventually signed with Denver. Two days later, the Colts cut a handful of other veterans including defensive captains Gary Brackett and Melvin Bullitt, Pro Bowl tight end Dallas Clark and running back Joseph Addai. Longtime center Jeff Saturday, emerging receiver Pierre Garcon and backup tight end Jacob Tamme all left in free agency.
And those who returned, like Wayne, are still trying to get acclimated to their new surroundings.
"I'm moving around, can you believe that? It's the first time in 11 years." Wayne said, drawing laughter. "My game plan is the same whoever throws the ball -- catch and make something happen with it. I met Drew Stanton, I know that guy."
By next week, Wayne will have to introduce himself to another new quarterback.
Until then, he'll be catching passes from someone else.
"I don't know his name," Wayne said when asked about quarterback Trevor Vittatoe. "I know it starts with a V."
Inside the locker room, players are content to stay out of the great draft debate. Most have only seen Luck or Griffin play in small bits on television, and nobody wanted to debate the merits of how the new quarterback would fit in with a team that is trying to replace Manning and starting almost completely over.
Instead, they're trying to get their minds wrapped around a playbook that Wayne described as Greek.
Not everything is new, though.
"I was very fortunate to play with a guy like that (Manning) and you see the work habits he had and I try to emulate those habits every day," running back Donald Brown said. "He will always have an influence here, him and guys like Jeff, like Dallas, like Joseph, they left a footprint on us and we're trying to carry that legacy on."
With a new quarterback under center.
"I think when you know, you know," Grigson said.
[Associated Press;
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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