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Colts owner Jim Irsay announced that quarterback Peyton Manning likely will be out for the remainder of the season, WISH-TV reported, citing a source.
The announcement, which came during a Monday breakfast meeting with Super Bowl donors in Indianapolis, happened not long after the Colts turned to third-string quarterback Curtis Painter during the fourth quarter of their Sunday night loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The defeat dropped the Colts to 0-3 on the season, and without Manning, it seems unlikely the team will make the playoffs for a 10th consecutive season.
Sources at the meeting told WISH-TV that Manning wouldn't resume practice until December and might not play again until 2012.
Irsay later clarified his statements at the breakfast on his Twitter account.
"I didn't say Peyton out 4season FOR SURE, keeping him on ActiveRoster n taking it month by month/Outside chance of return n December possible," he tweeted.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reportedly was at the breakfast and didn't comment on the matter.
While the tone coming out of Monday's announcement appears bleak, NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora cited a team source in reporting the Colts currently don't plan to put Manning on season-ending injured reserve. They will make a determination on Manning's status as he continues to progress. How the Colts' season plays out -- and whether or not they will play meaningful football in December -- also will factor into the decision.
"I can't talk about (Manning coming back this year), because the only thing I know is what was stated, with accuracy," coach Jim Caldwell said Monday. "Our owner clarified his position with his last tweet, so I think that's what everybody has to go by. We'll see how things go. He's still rehabbing and coming along, so we'll see what happens."
Caldwell said despite the near daily news storm on Manning's status, the Colts have tried to maintain a business-as-usual approach this season.
"We just simply have to deal with what we know is a fact here and now, and that's how we practice from week-to-week," Caldwell said. "We focus in on the guys that we have that are able to play for us, and try to find a way to get them better. That's what we do all the way across the board at this time."
Manning underwent neck surgery Sept. 8, and the team has been reluctant to divulge anything definitive in regard to a timetable for a possible return.
"There has been no change in Peyton Manning's status since our last statement on September 8th," the Colts said in a statement released Monday. "He is in the process of healing and rehabbing from his recent surgery. The team will inform everyone when that status changes."
trying to give you guys hope!