Peyton Manning’s neck injury and recent surgery is prompting concerns for the Colts. Peyton Manning is not confirmed ready for the Colts’ season opener, team officials tell news. Today Steve Young said Peyton Manning’s neck is a far bigger problem that originally perceived for the Colts.


“No one has done the position better” Young told news moments ago. Young said that if Manning can’t take the field, the Colts are in big trouble. First, Young says they have no one ready to replace Peyton. Second, Young says replacing Peyton on short notice could be close to impossible.

“If he is not on the field, the Colts don’t have another option. He holds the brain trust for how to operate the team. He has taken the offense beyond what other players can do…. [but] it brings a big question what is the future of the Colts if Peyton doesn’t play” Young told news.

How would the Colts replace Peyton short term? “The only way to replace Peyton is with someone who can carry all that data [in the brain] and replicate it.” Young told ESPN that “a young player can’t do.” Young asserts the Colts would have only one option. “They would need a older player, Peyton like”.

Manning had a first surgery in March 2010. They he had a second surgery in May 2011. At the time, his recovery period was suppose to be six-to-eight weeks. Manning has had an injury since at least 2006. The Colts told press in 2010 that “This condition has existed intermittently for the past four years, but at no time did it interfere with his training, practice or playing regime. While it never has affected Peyton’s activity on or off the field, the Colts’ medical staff, after post-playoff examination, thought it best to resolve the situation now.”