Peyton Manning has denied a report out of Indy that he was secretly photographed wearing a knee brace on his right knee during Monday night’s media-isn’t-welcome “PeyBack Bowl” event.

The report was confusing, given that Manning’s recent surgery occurred on his left knee, not his right one.

Regardless, Manning denies wearing a brace on either knee.

“I don’t wear a knee brace,” Manning said.

“This is just to kind of stop some of the whining going on,” Manning said.  “I just didn’t want to get into these daily progress reports.  I’ve done nothing but rehab.  Looks like we’re already in the rumor mill.”

Regardless, the rumor mill still churns.  We’re now told that Manning has been spotted by a Colts player “limping around” recently.

Indeed, video of Manning making a rare appearance at Colts practice seems to show Manning moving gingerly on his left leg, five weeks and a day after surgery — and two weeks and five days from the first game of the regular season.