Manning Has 3rd Surgery: IR a possibility

This surgery not only takes Manning out of this Sunday’s week 1 game, against the Texans, but also puts his status for the entire season in doubt. Manning spent several months trying to rehab his neck and ultimately was forced to have this procedure (his 3^rd total neck surgery). The timeline for Manning’s return is up in the air at this point. The Colts public relations department just released this statement about Manning’s return, “Rehabilitation from such surgery is typically an involved process.  Therefore, there will be no estimation of a return date at this time.  We will keep Peyton on the active roster until we have a clearer picture of his recovery process.”

Obviously at this point it is impossible for us to know more than what the Colts will tell us, but neck surgeries vary from person to person. Some other players have gone so far as to suggest that a 3^rd neck surgery might force Manning into early retirement. While this is pure speculation, I don’t foresee that happening. I am sad to see Peyton’s streak of games started end but I seriously doubt that we have seen the last of him. Manning is easily the greatest Quarterback of my lifetime and potentially of all time. It is going to take much more than a few neck surgeries to keep this man off the field. I anticipate we will see Manning play before this season ends, but I don’t think he will rush the rehab either. This is going to take time, and Manning is not going to want to have a 4^th surgery; so look for the rehab to take several months. Stay tuned for more updates throughout the season.