The Colts haven’t been the same without franchise quarterback Peyton Manning who has been out after having three neck procedures in just 19 months.
He continues to rest, rehab, and try to get better each day. I imagine this is extremely tough for Manning because all he has ever known is football. Growing up, his dad Archie was playing for the New Orleans Saints and then he began playing with his brothers.
Peyton met with the media Thursday afternoon for his monthly chat. He said he is taking it slow, but he is being persistent. Below I highlighted the most interesting stuff from his 15-minute conversation. Thanks to Phillip B. Wilson of the Indianapolis Star for the transcription.
First, Peyton Manning addressed his status as of November 3rd.
“Still waiting for the fusion to take place. That takes place, they thought, between two and three months. Still going slow with that. I still have some of the same issues I had before the fusion as far as the nerves and the regeneration…I really think I would say the first of December is probably the next check point. That will be three months from the surgery. See where I am from the strength standpoint at that time, from a conditioning standpoint. I just can’t give a prediction of where I’m going to be. I don’t think anybody really can because as I’ve said all along, this injury is one that is a little bit unpredictable.”
Then he was asked whether he misses playing and whether he hopes to play again this season.
“I miss playing, I really do. If I were to get cleared to play and felt good enough to play, the doctor said it was OK, yeah, I would absolutely love to because that’s how I’m wired. That’s my job and I miss not being able to do my job. Once again, that’s another prediction type of question. I just can’t really give you that answer as to where I am. In December, I can probably give you a more realistic answer with four games left. But, sure, would I like to? Absolutely, whether it was one game, two games or a couple plays. I miss playing. When you’ve done something all your career and most your sports life you’ve always played, when the doctor says you can go play again, sure, I would like to do that.
“…This is all new to me. This is my first time dealing with it. All I know is I like playing. I enjoy being out there. I miss being out there in the huddle. When I’m on that sideline looking out at the huddle, even though I’m probably just 25 yards from the huddle, it feels like I’m a million miles away. To all of a sudden have a chance to be back out there, sure I’d like to do it. Any natural competitor, any player that’s been through injury would tell you the same thing. I’m no different. We’ll just see what the situation will be come next month.”
Manning was of course asked about Andrew Luck…you just knew this topic was going to come up.
“It’s hard for me to speculate on things like that when I’m not playing and Jeff Saturday and Reggie Wayne, these guys are out there fighting for their lives, trying to win every game. We’ve never talked about what draft pick we were going to have before during the past 13 years, so I don’t think it’s fair to do (that) now.”
Prior to the 2011-12 season, Peyton signed a 5-year, $90 million contract.
“The contract, I was the one that helped construct it in the manner that it is. It’s a one-year deal with a four-year extension, if you will. It was my recommendation, that I wasn’t healthy when I signed the contract and if I’m not healthy in February I think it’s fair for the Colts to be able to make their decision there. The other reason for the December, the ability to possibly practice would be for the Colts to have a fair evaluation of where I am. We’re in full disclosure with each other. I think December is the next check point … to see where we are. We may be the same where we are; I sure hope we’re better, but it really is hard to predict.”
CBS NFL analyst Phil Simms said earlier in the week Manning wouldn’t let the Colts draft Luck even if they could.
“Yeah, I don’t talk to Phil. Phil doesn’t talk to me. He did text me after that, saying ‘Hey, sorry to drag your name into this.’ I wrote back, ‘Phil I don’t know what you’re talking about.’ He said, ‘Well on my show, Inside the NFL, I made this statement.’ I said, ‘Phil, I hate to break it to you, but I don’t watch your show, along with a lot of other people that I don’t think watch that show.’ Giving himself a little more credit than probably was merited.”
“…Hey, this is the time for speculation. People speak what they think your opinion’s going to be, what you’re going to do. That’s what people do. I’ve never made any statements. Anything that’s going on, I’m discussing it with coach Caldwell, Bill Polian. Everybody’s in full awareness of what’s going on and where things are.”
And finally because of the Colts struggles this season, many are questioning the leadership and coaching from Jim Caldwell.
“Yeah, once again, you’re asking players as if they have a say or their opinion really matters on that. Jim Caldwell is my friend and he is our coach and we are behind him. We want to win for so many reasons, but you always want to win for your head coach.”
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Clearly Peyton isn’t happy at all with his progress and he’s itching to return. He was very outgoing as usual, but he wasn’t afraid to take a stiff position. He proved once again he is a great teammate, by not knocking the team or Coach Caldwell while they are down and he can’t play.
Initially, I was very optimistic that he would have the chance to return this season. Now, I don’t think you risk it — but it appears they won’t have to worry about the risk because he won’t be ready anyway…unfortunately.
get better Peyton! I miss you so much. The game’s just not the same without you. Prayers your way for a healthy recovery. xo