(Image source: Comic Nut)

BY MARC STEIDLER

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

You’re watching multisource sports video news analysis from Newsy.

Talk about a pain in the neck -- Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning underwent his third neck surgery in 19 months Thursday, meaning his season -- and maybe his career -- is in jeopardy. The surgery will keep Manning sidelined at least two to three months.

But ESPN’s Mark Schlereth says this surgery, in the long run,  could extend Manning’s career:

“I know a lot of guys, and I’m talking about guys who played linebacker, offensive line, defensive line, guys that have played positions where they collide all the time. It has saved their careers.”

According to an orthopaedic study done last November, nearly 3 out of 4 NFL players who had similar surgeries returned to play an average of 10 games a year for three years.

However, Dr. Tom Hackett told SI.com the surgery, which fuses disks in Manning’s neck --  could limit him if he returns.

“Rotating your neck comes from your cervical spine, so if you fuse one or two levels, then you lose rotation and that could significantly affect a quarterback.”

Manning signed a five year, $90 million dollar deal back in July, with $55 million guaranteed. If he were to play a full year, he would make about 22 thousand dollars per snap.Fox Sports’ Jason Whitlock writes Manning’s contract puts the Colts in a tough position not only this season, but down the road:

“Manning got his money before anyone truly understood the seriousness of his neck injury. Manning took care of Manning. He made it difficult for the Colts to take care of the Colts.”

But Matt Taylor of ESPN 1070 thinks fans won’t hold that against Peyton.

“Manning issued a statement earlier this week saying he will miss his teammates more than they will miss him. I have a feeling the fans will miss him the most.”

Manning’s streak of consecutive games started will end at 227 this weekend, still 70 short of Brett Favre’s all time record of 297.


Transcript by Newsy.