Manning has neck surgery

Pinched nerve root of problem

March 04, 2010|Associated Press

Peyton Manning has spent 12 seasons being a pain in the neck of NFL opponents. Now the four-time league MVP is trying to alleviate the pain in his own neck.

The Colts announced yesterday that Manning had surgery in Chicago to fix a pinched nerve, a procedure that is not expected to interrupt Manning’s offseason workouts or his availability for next season.

“This condition has existed intermittently for the past four years, but at no time did it interfere with his training, practice, or playing regimen,’’ the team said in a statement. “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.’’

The Colts said Manning spent Tuesday night in the hospital and was released yesterday.

“All medical personnel involved believe the issue has been resolved,’’ the team said. “Peyton fully expects to participate in the Colts’ offseason program this spring.’’

Manning’s streak of 210 consecutive starts, including the playoffs, is second all time among NFL quarterbacks behind only Brett Favre.

Manning’s contract expires after the 2010 season and Colts owner Jim Irsay has called an extension his top offseason priority. Negotiations are not expected to kick into high gear until after the free agent market opens tomorrow.

Tender feelings

Many restricted free agents were assigned tenders by their teams. A person familiar with the decision said the Redskins put a first-round tender on quarterback Jason Campbell, which means other teams would have to give up a first-round draft pick to sign Campbell. The Broncos tendered five players - first-rounders for receiver Brandon Marshall, quarterback Kyle Orton, and guard Kris Kuper; a first- and third-rounder for NFL sacks leader Elvis Dumervil; and a second-rounder for tight end Tony Scheffler. The Panthers, intent on keeping Matt Moore, tendered the quarterback for a first- and third-rounder, the same level given outside linebacker Thomas Davis. The Jets placed a second-round tender on running back-kick returner Leon Washington, according to his agent.

Samuels to retire

Six-time Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels will announce his retirement today. The decision has been expected. The 32-year-old Redskin hasn’t played since injuring his neck Oct. 11, and for many years, Samuels played with a condition called stenosis, a narrowing of the spine . . . Veteran offensive lineman Hank Fraley said he was “shocked’’ to learn of his release from the Browns. Fraley, 32, lost his starting job at guard last season and was due a roster bonus this month . . . The Chiefs released wide receiver Devard Darling and running back Dantrell Savage . . . The Pro Bowl will return to Hawaii next January, played the Sunday before the Super Bowl.