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The Indianapolis Colts have now officially addressed rumors about the halting progress of QB Peyton Manning's neck surgery. It seems his recovery now also includes back problems.
The team released a statement Monday. It reads, in part:
During the last week, the rate of improvement in Peyton's rehabilitation process slowed. Over the weekend Peyton experienced soreness in his back. It was originally thought to be a normal reaction to his rehabilitation regimen. When the soreness persisted, the Colts medical team decided to initiate diagnostic tests and to consult with a number of specialists around the country who have been involved in Peyton's case from the outset. That process continues. As a result of the most recent development the doctors have decided that Peyton will not practice. His participation therefore, in Sunday's game versus Houston will likely be doubtful. We will update his playing status as required by NFL policy as the week goes on.
At the conclusion of the diagnostic process, if there are any new developments in the prognosis which we outlined for Peyton at the start of training camp we will report them. As of now Peyton continues to deal with a complicated neurological recovery, the end date of which is unpredictable.
As was stated at the outset, it serves no useful purpose to speculate about hypothetical outcomes. When and if there are concrete medical facts to report we will do so.
The NFL's only four-time MVP, Manning has started 227 consecutive games (including playoffs), second only to Brett Favre (321) among quarterbacks.
If Manning can't play at Houston in Week 1, the Colts will have to decide between starting recently signed veteran Kerry Collins or third-year player Curtis Painter, who had two forgettable regular-season appearances in his rookie year.
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