It’s been widely reported that Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has undergone three neck surgeries in the last two years.
Don Banks of SI.com reports the number is actually four.
Manning underwent an unreported procedure last year between his May surgery and his September cervical neck fusion surgery. Banks adds a lot of new details in his extensive and well-reported piece.
More surgery expected: Manning’s neck has potentially developed bone spurs. The Colts believe further surgery is “nearly inevitable,” even if Manning can successfully return to football this year.
Manning pushed to play in December: The “extent and scope” of Manning’s on-field workouts in December initially frustrated former Colts Vice Chairman Bill Polian. Manning wanted to play in the red zone in the season’s final weeks, but the Colts medical staff ruled it out once they took a look at him.
Manning was unable to throw past 20-22 yards at the time.
“He wanted to go on the field and try to dump red-zone passes against Houston,” a league source told Banks. “Even though his neck muscles hadn’t even been strengthened yet. Can you imagine anyone putting him on the field in that situation? Just to throw a string of red-zone passes? But that’s where things were going at that time, and it kind of speaks to the insanity of the situation.”
Chronic problem? The Colts fear Manning’s neck issues have become chronic. It’s hard to argue with four procedures in under two years, including three in a five month span last year.
There will be plenty of questions regarding why all this information came out now. But the article helps to underscore the serious nature of Manning’s medical problems.
We just hope someone is watching out for Manning’s long-term health, because he’s already tried to play before it was safe once.
