On Thursday, when a report emerged from ESPN that Colts (for now) quarterback Peyton Manning has been cleared to play, my first reaction (as explained live on NBC SportsTalk) was that clearance to play and the full return of arm strength are two different things.
My second reaction (as explained live on NBC SportsTalk) was that we’d undoubtedly be hearing from Colts owner Jim Irsay via Twitter.
And we have.
“Peyton has not passed our physical nor has he been cleared to play for The Indianapolis Colts,” Irsay said early Friday on his Twitter page. “Team statement coming on Friday.”
It’s not surprising, especially since the explanation provided if/when (when) the Colts cut Manning likely will be that Irsay can’t in good conscience allow him to risk serious injury by returning to action, even if the truth may be that Irsay won’t risk paying him another $28 million and getting possibly nothing in return.
Even if Peyon Manning receives clearance to set foot on a football field during game conditions, it doesn’t mean that Peyton Manning will be able to throw like Peyton Manning. And so it doesn’t make sense to throw that kind of money at Peyton Manning, unless Irsay is sure Peyton Manning will be able to throw like Peyton Manning.
The best news is that Irsay continues to fail to follow his own directive to keep these matters in house. Otherwise, we would be left to focus only on the football game that’s due to be played Sunday night.