The Indianapolis Colts have confirmed that Peyton Manning had neck surgery today and that he’s out indefinitely. But the team is still holding out hope that his return could come this season.
“This procedure is performed regularly throughout the country on persons from all walks of life, including professional football players,” the Colts said in a statement. “Two former Colts players had this same procedure last winter and have fully resumed their careers. 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.”
Keeping Manning on the active roster, rather than putting him on injured reserve, opens the door to the possibility that he could still play this season. But he’s almost certain to miss at least half the season, and if the Colts aren’t in the thick of the playoff race by the time Manning is healthy, they would probably shut him down.
The Colts also indicated that they don’t plan to keep us all posted about how Manning is progressing.
“Peyton will immediately begin the rehabilitation regimen mapped out by the surgeon,” the statement said. “We anticipate no further updates or availabilities beyond those required by the NFL Media Policy for the immediate future.”
And so Colts fans will be left to wonder when they’ll see Manning on the field again.
