INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning attended his first practice Tuesday since he had knee surgery more than five weeks ago.

Manning accompanied the Colts to their first practice session at the new Lucas Oil Stadium. He wore a team jersey and shorts with an elastic band around his left knee, but didn't take part in any plays.

He told reporters his goal was to be back on the field for the team's opening game Sept. 7 against the Chicago Bears.

"It has not been a pain-free process. I'd be lying if I said that," Manning said. "But that is my goal is to be ready before that first game but at this point, like I said, Aaron [Barill, team physical therapist] and I, he and I are the ones sort of dealing with it every single day. Certainly, that is our goal and it's been my goal all along but hopefully it continues to progress up until that point."

Manning had surgery July 14 to remove an infected bursa sac.

Coach Tony Dungy said Manning wasn't the only player who might not be ready to play by the first game, citing Bob Sanders' and Dwight Freeney's injuries.

"I don't know that any of those guys will be out there on the 7th. That's what we're trying to do right now is develop a 53-man roster and be ready for anything," Dungy said. "My sense is [Manning] will, but we'll see what happens."

Dungy said that Manning might begin practice next week.