Colts owner Jim Irsay doesn’t expect Peyton Manning to play again this season. He feels strongly enough to say it publicly Monday morning.
Still, Irsay wants to clarify that the Colts won’t make any final decision on Manning yet.
“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,” Irsay wrote on Twitter.
That “outside chance” depends on Manning’s recovery. It will also likely depend on the Colts’ record. It’s hard to believe there is any scenario Manning plays this year if, say, the Colts are 3-10 when Manning is ready to return.
Irsay knows this and that’s why he doubts Manning will play again in 2011. Even if they won’t make it official.