INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning underwent a third surgery on his injured neck Thursday morning, throwing into doubt whether he will be able to play this season.
The Colts confirmed the surgery had taken place but offered no timetable for the superstar signal-caller’s return.
“As previously stated on Monday, Sept. 5th, Peyton Manning has undergone further testing and consultation with several specialists regarding his rehabilitation,” the team said in a statement.
“The results of these tests and the consensus of the consultations was that further surgery was warranted. Peyton has undergone this surgery today by having a single level anterior fusion. The surgery was uneventful.”
ESPN reported that the recovery time after cervical fusion surgery is two to three months at minimum.
The reports surfaced hours after Colts owner Jim Irsay conceded on Twitter that Manning would be out much longer than just Week 1.
The four-time MVP could miss the entire season if the Colts choose to place him on injured reserve. The Colts said Manning will stay “on the active roster until we have a clearer picture of his recovery process.”
“This procedure is performed regularly throughout the country on persons from all walks of life, including professional football players. Two former Colts players had this same procedure last winter and have fully resumed their careers,” the team added.
Manning had already been ruled out of Sunday’s opener against the Houston Texans because of continuing soreness, but there was rampant speculation in recent days that another procedure would be required.
Manning, 35, has now had three surgeries on his neck in the past 18 months. A procedure in late May was meant to repair a nerve problem, while his first surgery in March 2010 was performed to remove a buildup of calcium.
He returned to practice last week in preparation for the season opener only to be forced back to the sidelines.
Sunday will mark the first time the Colts will start a regular season game without Manning under center since he was drafted with the first overall pick in 1998. Veteran Kerry Collins, who was signed out of retirement just a few weeks ago, will start in Manning’s place.
Manning’s 14-season streak of 208 consecutive regular-season starts, second only to Brett Favre’s NFL-record streak of 297, will also come to an end.
Manning signed a five-year, $90 million contract July 30. The deal contained an average annual salary of $18 million, tying him with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady as the NFL’s richest player.
