Manning’s health in question – time for Colts to finally have a reliable backup quarterback

Peyton Manning has started in every Indianapolis Colts game for the last 13 years. He is the franchise and the face of the NFL.

The 35 year-old quarterback does understand his body doesn’t function the way it use to. Last May, he underwent had his second neck surgery, focusing on nerves that connect with his (right) throwing arm.

My friend Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star wrote that Peyton Manning won’t be ready to participate in training camp once the NFL Lockout is over. This isn’t groundbreaking, but it certainly is a surprise.

Kravitz says in his article that, “a source familiar with Manning’s health situation said Tuesday that Manning will not be able to participate at the outset, and at this point, there’s no way of knowing how much time he might miss.”

Just last week, the Manning’s held their annual passing academy in Louisiana and for the first time in 16 years, Peyton didn’t participate in drills. In previous years, he did demonstrations and threw to campers. But not this year.

“It’s really hard to give myself an evaluation because I really need my trainer and my doctor to get their hands on me and work with me,” Peyton said at the Manning Passing Academy.

“I’ve had a couple of other surgeries in the past that I have had rehabbed successfully with the Colts personnel. I think that is one thing these owners didn’t take into account…I’ve worked with other therapists but when you find a good trainer or rehab guy that you like, it’s a pretty special bond and these guys know your body.”

And Manning makes a great point. If I was a NFL team, I would have released my training staff and doctors before the lockout so that they weren’t technically team and could work with player’s rehab. This is more about the health and condition of their players than the money and which side gets what. I don’t think either side would oppose this move.

That however, wasn’t the case and in not doing so, Peyton’s recovery has been delayed.

Which brings up the question, when do the Colts invest in a suitable backup? Like everyone else, nobody wants to see this backup play. Then the worry is gone if the unthinkable does happen, short or long term.

I have zero confidence in Curtis Painter, and I’m not alone in this sentiment. I do think Manning has a good five years left in him so it’s not time to find the replacement. Just time to have confident in No. 2.

Long-time backup Jim Sorgi has spent a lot of time this summer in Indianapolis and depending on his health, he would be a viable option. They are not going to go after big names like Donovan McNabb or Matt Hasselbeck–and they shouldn’t. But a suitable backup with this team is imperative, with such a short window of opportunity.

This backup wouldn’t lead the Colts to a Super Bowl. But what you want to keep in mind is that a win or two can mean a lot with the playoffs, seeding and home field advantage. If this guy can win a game or two should Peyton have to miss time, he has done his job.

This is all going out on a limb and thinking the worst. But with so much on the line, especially for a guy that will eat over 20% of the Colts salary cap, it’s important to protect that investment.

A couple years ago when Manning missed training camp, the Colts started 3-4 before rattling off 9 straight wins.

What we do know is that the lockout is going to end and training camp begin August 1. But we don’t know if Peyton Manning will take snaps (or be at training camp in Anderson for that matter) and be healthy for the regular season.

That is why it’s about time for the Colts to consider a new guy to hold the clipboard.

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