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Report: Peyton Manning struggling to get healthy

Posted on: January 30, 2012 10:01 am
Edited on: January 30, 2012 3:14 pm
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Manning 'determined' to play in 2012. (Getty Images)

By Ryan Wilson

It's been more than a year since Peyton Manning played in an NFL game, but just five weeks out from a $28 million roster bonus coming due, the Colts have to make a decision on his future in Indianapolis. Teams are already lining up for his services (allegedly, of course) -- both those with obvious quarterback needs and others who may be willing to reconsider their current quarterback situation.

The problem: no one knows how healthy Manning is. He missed the 2011 season after undergoing three neck surgeries in two years, and Sports Illustrated's Peter King reported Sunday that Manning is struggling to get healthy before March 8, the day he's to receive the aforementioned roster bonus.

King adds: "No one knows yet if he'll play at all. In the last few days ... I've heard mixed reports about his physical condition. There is no guarantee he'll be healthy enough for any team to build its offense around."

King also seconded something we wrote on the Eye on Football blog: Colts owner Jim Irsay didn't make a decision on Manning's future "weeks ago."

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"I talked to Colts owner Irsay over the weekend, and he insisted, contrary to an NFL.com report that he decided 'weeks ago' to part ways with Manning, that he hasn't done any such thing," King wrote Monday.

"There has been no decision,'' Irsay told King. "This thing is still up in the air. I guarantee you I have not made the decision."

On Monday, Peyton's non-football-playing brother, Cooper, told NFL Network's Albert Breer that Manning was "determined" to play in 2012.

"What I do know is Peyton is going to do every single thing a human being can possibly do to get ready to play again," Cooper said from New Orleans according to Breer. "Where, when and how he'll play, that's all up in the air. But as far as his body goes, Peyton's smart, he'll know what to do. Anyone predicting what will happen now going forward is just wasting their breath. But he is working as hard as anyone can work to get out there again." 

Without knowing the state of Manning's recovery but with Irsay having already begun the housecleaning process, it's fair to assume that Manning may have played his last game for the Colts. He won't be out of work long, though; in fact, we wouldn't be surprised if some truly desperate team took a flier on him even if he's not yet cleared to return to the field. After all, the NFL is a passing league woefully short on passers. 

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Category: NFL
Tags: 2012 Super Bowl, Indianapolis Colts, Jim Irsay, Peyton Manning, Ryan Wilson, Super Bowl, Super Bowl 46
 
Comments

Since: Feb 19, 2008
Posted on: January 30, 2012 10:58 am
 

Report: Peyton Manning struggling to get healthy

Being from Nashville I used to watch Peyton when he was a freshman playing behind such guys as Tood Helton (Rockies) at QB for UT and he was in a dogfight for starter with another Frosh Brandon Stewart. Manning didnt have a strong arm and he was slow. Stewart went to texas A&M and helton went down quickly and manning was forced to play. The reason I note the history is becuase Peyton was no laBron James as far as talent went. manning became the best off hard work and brains. Remember the scouts liked Ryan Leaf better out of College and Woodson won the heisman. Peyton showed class coming back for his senior year and he has always showed class in the NFL. No dances after TD's, no Tim Tebow Gator Chomps in OU or FSU faces, and no McNabb moonwalks. When Manning scores he heads to the sidelines and starts working for the next series. Work is what made Peyton, and with that he deserves the best. 

Since: Mar 20, 2008
Posted on: January 30, 2012 10:57 am
 

Report: Peyton Manning struggling to get healthy

As a Jags fan, it was tiresome watching him shread our defense, as well as others. I have a lot of respect and admiration for Manning but there does come a time if the health part is not working out, then it is time to save yourself. He is by far an awesome QB and a very stand-up guy (have met and spoken with him twice). I would hate to see the one hit that puts him in a wheelchair for life or worse ends his life. Whatever you do Manning, our prayers are with you. Look out for #1 and that is yourself.

Since: Nov 14, 2006
Posted on: January 30, 2012 10:57 am
 

Report: Peyton Manning struggling to get healthy

Here at CBS there sure are a lot of posters with doctor degrees. No one here knows anything about his situation, his own doctors seem to think he will play but what do they know. They don't all have harvard degree's like some posters here. 

Since: Jan 10, 2010
Posted on: January 30, 2012 10:51 am
 

Report: Peyton Manning struggling to get healthy

if i were manning, i would retire. this is a serious injury and he has nothing left to prove. why risk playing 3 more years and take a HUGE gamble on your life. irsay seems somewhat of a bafoon, but the right business desicion would be not pay manning the 28 million roster bonus. it a shame things have spiraled out of control but lets be real bout this.

Since: Jan 9, 2008
Posted on: January 30, 2012 10:51 am
 

Report: Peyton Manning struggling to get healthy

This is such an easy problem to solve.  Rework the deal!  Remove the roster bonus in March and make the 28 million an incentive if he plays 70% of the snaps in 2012.  If he is healthy, he plays and gets paid.  If he is not, he would retire.  Problem solved.

Since: Dec 12, 2010
Posted on: January 30, 2012 10:47 am
 

Report: Peyton Manning struggling to get healthy

Just get healthy and then take it from there.

Since: Sep 1, 2009
Posted on: January 30, 2012 10:38 am
 

Report: Peyton Manning struggling to get healthy

I sure hope Manning gets healthy. I don't want to see him go out like this.  I understand that the NFL is a business and the Colts and Manning will part ways, but for one of the greatest QB's in NFL history-I want him to retire on his terms.  Still alot of game left in him.

Since: Jan 12, 2007
Posted on: January 30, 2012 10:23 am
 

Report: Peyton Manning struggling to get healthy

I second that fact, I would hope that he would retire a Colt.  I have watched him since Tennessee, and he is one of the greatest QBs I have ever seen.  Although I am a diehard Colts fan, I want what is best for him as well, and if that means going to another team, thats fine..unless it is to the Patriots! Wink  Even though he would make a pretty good coach, I see him going the John Gruden route and becoming a commentator, I think he has what it takes to be in front of the camera and keep people entertained...just watch his commercials or his stint on SNL!  He is truly one of the great, versatile athletes of or time!

Since: Dec 30, 2007
Posted on: January 30, 2012 10:23 am
 

Report: Peyton Manning struggling to get healthy

I would love to see Peyton get back on the field and play ball, but at what point due you realize that perhaps it's time to go out on top with a heavy wallet and your health intact? One square hit could really do some permanent damage. 

Since: Jan 5, 2012
Posted on: January 30, 2012 10:15 am
 

Report: Peyton Manning struggling to get healthy

he is without a doubt one of the BEST to ever play the position...I would hope that if he were not healthy enough to return to the Colts he'd retire.  Maybe coach @ the college level?
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