INDIANAPOLIS — Peyton Manning’s injured neck is healthy enough for more work.
He’s just not ready to start taking hits.
One day after Manning’s latest monthly checkup, Dr. Robert Watkins gave the winless Indianapolis Colts and their franchise quarterback some good news in this miserable season: The four-time league MVP is healing.
“I am encouraged with what Doc had to say,” Manning said. “I am happy that I can increase my rehabilitation program as outlined by him . . . and the Colts’ medical staff. I am hopeful for continued progress in this next phase of my rehab.”
Watkins said he believes Manning’s recovery will continue.
The 35-year-old quarterback hasn’t practiced since having a spinal fusion Sept. 8. The surgery was intended to repair a damaged nerve in his neck that caused weakness in his throwing arm. It was Manning’s third neck surgery in 19 months and the most risky and complicated of the three.
On Sunday, television commentators on the Colts-Panthers broadcast even discussed the possibility of Manning retiring after the season, a contention team vice chairman Bill Polian shot down on his weekly radio show Monday night.
In a statement issued by the team Thursday night, Watkins said Manning’s neck has finally healed — right in the two- to four-month timeline predicted by neck and back specialists who did not treat Manning.
The Associated Press
