Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning won't be ready for training camp when it begins, the Indianapolis Star reported Wednesday.
Manning had neck surgery for the second time in two years on May 23 and sources told the Star he could miss a few weeks or as much as all of training camp.
Manning is almost eight weeks removed from the surgery, the second of its kind to remove a bothersome calcium buildup that was first surgically removed in March 2010. Doctors told Manning he needed the second surgery after Manning pursued non-surgical options to relieve the discomfort in his neck and right arm. His approach has been "extra cautious and extra slow," Manning said, adding from his passing camp that he's been "very, very limited as to what I've been able to do and what I've allowed myself to do."
The Colts drafted a pair of offensive linemen, offensive tackles Anthony Castonzo and Ben Ijalana, with their top two picks in the 2011 draft. Both could start at guard or tackle, and would benefit from extensive preseason reps with Manning given the unique nature of the offence and the inordinate amount of on-field adjustments needed on a snap-to-snap basis.
Including the postseason, Manning has started 227 straight games (208 regular-season starts) since 1998. Assuming Brett Favre's retirement is official, Manning's streak is the longest in the NFL among position players. Vikings placekicker Ryan Longwell has 224 consecutive regular-season starts.
A clear timetable for Manning's return to the field will be drawn up when he's able to meet with team physicians. Such contact was blocked during the NFL lockout and Manning said he suffered because he was unable to go through therapy with Colts' staff.
He played through most of the 2008 season with a knee injury. Manning had surgery in mid-July to remove an infected bursa sac in his left knee and was limited in training camp practices.
Manning's contract status remains a hot topic in Indianapolis. Owner Jim Irsay has said, and repeated, he plans to make Manning the NFL's highest-paid player. As the team's franchise player, Manning would count $23-million against the proposed $120-million salary cap in 2011.
Lockout or not, it has been a busy off-season for Manning. He and his wife Ashley welcomed twins in March.