As promised, the Colts released an update on quarterback Peyton Manning. After Sunday’s loss to to Carolina, Manning promised that news would be coming on his overall status. However, since a statement was sent out Thursday, it is unknown whether he will talk with media on Friday before traveling to New England. After undergoing tests this week and having them examined by his specialist, Manning’s latest surgery was deemed a success.
Peyton Manning has been cleared to increase his workout intensity.
“X-ray and CT examination of the surgical area shows that the fusion performed in September has achieved firm fixation,” said Dr. Robert Watkins who performed Manning’s surgery on September 8th.
(An aside: “firm fixation,” what is that, a new buzzword? Reminds me of training camp when it was reported the Manning was throwing with “decent velocity.”)
The statement from Dr. Watkins continues…”Peyton will now be allowed to increase the intensity and breadth of his workouts as tolerated. There remains every indication that his recovery will continue. There still is no timetable for Peyton’s return to practice, which is one of many steps in his expected return to game action. He is working hard on a rehabilitation program outlined in conjunction with myself, Erin Barill and Peyton. His response to this plan in the future will dictate his return date.”
What we know: 18’s most recent surgery seems to be successful and he is allowed to begin working out, more than walking laps around the Colts practice facility. Most of these workouts will depend on Manning’s pain tolerance and if throwing movements bother him.
I did see a report last week that he had thrown some but struggled beyond 15 yards. I have a hard time believing that report because even I can throw it 15 yards with little effort. Then again, he’s dealing with his neck and nerves here so anything is possible. Manning is definitely chomping at the bit to get back to normal and this is just a small movement in the overall process.
“I am encouraged with what Doc had to say,” Peyton Manning said in the statement. “I am happy that I can increase my rehabilitation program as outlined by him, Erin and the Colts Medical Staff. I am hopeful for continued progress in this next phase of my rehab.”
While this is a nice update, don’t get ahead of yourself thinking the four-time MVP will return this year or that he is back for sure. All this update does is confirm Manning’s latest surgery was successful.
Where the focus needs to be is with his nerve regeneration. They are very tough to analyze and everyone is different. These nerve problems have irritated him for the last couple years. It could be something that ends his career, or with the specialized doctors and treatment he has received, combined with help from human nature, he may return for another three years. Nobody knows and that is what’s so difficult.
Injury expert Will Carroll of SI.com tweeted after the news release that the latest update means little in Peyton’s quest to return to the field. “New info on Manning tells us NOTHING about his ability to play. NOTHING. NO NEW INFO. I can’t make it more clear than that.”
I know tomorrow my friend Bob Kravitz is going to continue to harp that it’s time for Indianapolis to move on and to focus on the future. And for the future, in his mind (along with many others, including myself) is with Andrew Luck. The Colts have to decide before free agency after the season whether to keep him on the roster. If so, he is due a $28 million dollar bonus, yes $28 mil meaning a big decision for owner Jim Irsay and the Polian’s. It is feasible to have both Manning and Luck on the roster, but impossible to field a quality team with nearly $35 million against the cap at quarterback alone.
With the top-pick, which is nearly guaranteed at this point, Andrew Luck would be due roughly $24 million over four years. That’s a bargain thanks to the new CBA rules.
It’s way to early to tell, but parting ways with Manning would be difficult for both the franchise and the fans. It is important to note that the Colts have prove in the past with Marvin Harrison and Edgerrin James that they know it’s a business and will do what is best for the franchise. Luck is unproven in the NFL although I’ve yet to read any NFL say he hesitate to take the redshirt-junior.
Take this update for what’s its worth…very little. The true test is the nerve regeneration and how he feels while slowly getting back to repetitions.
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