Monday’s injury report contained the name “Peyton Manning,” disclosing that he fully participated in a short-week “jog-through” practice with a back injury. On Tuesday, he downplayed the situation.
“You know my thoughts on the injury report,” Manning told reporters on Tuesday. “I think the media should do an injury report as well. I’d like to create it myself. Think about it. I’m going to put down what I think your injuries are.”
So Manning was asked to list the injuries. And he did.
“Let me start with [Mike] Klis,” Manning said. “The carpal tunnel from all the texting of his sources. Who else? [Darren McKee], the laryngitis from ripping me all week. The rash that he has that’s unidentified. The fact that he’s still is here every day to overcome that, I think it’s admirable. Woody [Paige], in my opinion, is probably the healthiest of all of you, and this is not a healthy group by any means. But Woody is healthy. Who else? Lindsay Jones -- the bunions from all the travel to the West Coast. Like I said, I never hear you guys complaining about it, so I’m not going to complain about it. In many ways you guys inspire me. I was kind of surprised that I was on [the injury report] to tell you the truth, but I think like a lot of guys, it’s a pretty physical game on Sunday. In many ways, maybe I’m honored to be on it. . . .
“[Mark] Kiszla also -- Kislza’s got gout for sure,” Manning said. “I know he’s got gout, but he never complains about it.”
Coach Gary Kubiak says Manning is “OK” for Thursday night. Manning presumably ended up on the injury report only because he received treatment on his back after Sunday’s win.
Regardless, Manning is 39. And most of the great quarterbacks in NFL history have cried “uncle” to Father Time before getting within a year of turning 40.
