What's up with Manning

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Manning's condition remains a concern for Colts
Mon Sep 5, 2:04 AM ET
(Sports Network) - Peyton Manning's neck continued to be a concern for the Indianapolis Colts as they faced an increased chance that the four-time MVP quarterback wouldn't be ready by Week 1 for the first time in his career.

Manning has started every game for the Colts since 1998, but had a second surgery on his neck in May and was only activated off the team's physically unable to perform (PUP) list on August 29.

On Sunday, Colts owner Jim Irsay declared on Twitter that there was nothing to say about Manning's condition except that the Colts were moving "cautiously" and "deliberately" while projecting his recovery time.

But Manning was being re-evaluated by doctors as concerns grew that his rehab was taking longer than expected, according to a report on ESPN.com.

Citing sources, the report revealed that doctors have been unable to agree on a reason for the slow pace of Manning's recovery, but that there was no new procedure scheduled for the 35-year-old.

Earlier, an unconfirmed report from an Indianapolis radio host said Manning needed yet another procedure less than four months after the May 23 surgery to correct a disk-related issue in his neck.

The Colts have sounded unconvinced that Manning would be ready for Sunday's game at Houston, and perhaps beyond.

"He will participate in practice on a limited basis," the Colts said in a statement when he was activated from the PUP list. "All of his practice work will be scripted and on a controlled basis. The participation in limited football activity is a standard procedure in the club's rehab protocol."

The Colts signed Manning to a five-year, $90 million contract in July -- the long-term deal that was envisioned when the team put its franchise tag on him before the NFL lockout.

Manning has passed for 54,828 yards and 399 touchdowns in 208 consecutive regular season starts and guided the team to a Super Bowl title after the 2006 season.

He has stated that he wouldn't consider playing just to keep his consecutive starts streak alive, saying that he respects football too much to take the field without being ready.

Manning also had surgery in March 2010 to relieve pain in his neck caused by a pinched nerve and didn't miss camp. This time around, however, he was unable to meet with team medical personnel because of the lockout.