Colts’ Manning doubtful

McClatchy Newspapers

INDIANAPOLIS

The Indianapolis Colts said Monday that Peyton Manning’s rehabilitation from neck surgery has slowed and he will “likely be doubtful” for the season opener this Sunday.

Manning will not participate in practice this week, the Colts said.

After reports surfaced Sunday that Manning might need another neck surgery and was consulting additional doctors, the Colts decided to address the issue.

Soreness in Manning’s back led to the renewed concern, the Colts said.

The Colts open their regular season Sunday at Houston.

Here is the Colts’ statement:

“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.”