Colts Call Peyton Manning's Injury Makes Him Doubtful For Week 1

Read More: Peyton Manning (QB - DEN), Indianapolis Colts

There's been a flurry of activity coming out of Indianapolis on Monday morning as reports are suggesting that Colts QB Peyton Manning could be in danger of missing the first game of the season -- or more -- as he recovers from an offseason surgery on his neck.

The key thing to remember is that, as of now, there's nothing confirmed on Manning's status, though the Colts indicating he'll likely be doubtful for Sunday's game. In response to all the media attention, the Colts have released a statement on Manning's status. 

Here's the Colts statement, via Stampede Blue:

During the last week, the rate of improvement in Peyton's rehabilitation process slowed.   Over the weekend Peyton experienced soreness in his back.  It was originally thought to be a normal reaction to his rehabilitation regimen.  When the soreness persisted, the Colts medical team decided to initiate diagnostic tests and to consult with a number of specialists around the country who have been involved in Peyton's case from the outset.  That process continues.  As a result of the most recent development the doctors have decided that Peyton will not practice. His participation therefore, in Sunday's game versus Houston will likely be doubtful.  We will update his playing status as required by NFL policy as the week goes on.

At the conclusion of the diagnostic process, if there are any new developments in the prognosis which we outlined for Peyton at the start of training camp we will report them.  As of now Peyton continues to deal with a complicated neurological recovery, the end date of which is unpredictable. 

As was stated at the outset, it serves no useful purpose to speculate about hypothetical outcomes.  When and if there are concrete medical facts to report we will do so. 

We appreciate your consideration in this matter.

Hop on over to SB Nation's Stampede Blue for the latest but this is a very worrisome situation for the Colts, who could be lining up with a quarterback not named Peyton Manning for the first time since 1997.