Bottom line on Peyton Manning's knee surgery and recovery

by BigBlueShoe on Aug 20, 2008 1:24 PM EDT in Analysis Comment 31 comments

Peyton Manning is expected to start Week One.
If he doesn't, someone better get fired!

While people still try and drum up fear regarding the prospect of Peyton Manning not starting Week One, let's just lay the cards down and call it like it is. The basic bottom line is we expect Peyton Manning to start Week One. That is what we fans were promised, and it seems things are on schedule for that to happen. So, writing articles that signal alarm bells now is premature.

We've heard from day one that this is a 4-6 week procedure. Next week, on August 26th, it will be 6 weeks since Peyton's routine surgery. Based on what we were told by Bill Polian himself (and just to make things clear, I'll re-post his words):

The procedure was routine. The Colts’ medical staff expects a full and complete return to action in four to six weeks.

So, next week, on Tuesday, Peyton Manning better be out there, in full pads, throwing the football and getting ready to play a little bit against the final pre-season opponent. We've been told repeatedly that there have been no setbacks. Even today, on NFL Radio, Polian said the same old "Peyton is fine; he's on schedule; blah, blah, blah." So, again, based on what Bill is telling us, we should expect to see Peyton next week.

But... if we don't, then Bill Polian has been lying to our faces for weeks, and lying to fans about their franchise player is not an advisable PR move, Bill.

If Peyton Manning cannot play, or practice, next week, then that also means that the Colts need to fire their horrid friggin medical staff. If Peyton cannot play against the last pre-season opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals, then that means a 4-6 week recovery is suddenly a 7 week recovery. And if (and Bill Polian damn well better pray this is not even a remote possibility) Peyton Manning cannot practice or play Week One against the Chicago Bears, a 4-6 week recovery (with no setbacks and everything is going fine and blah, blah, blah) would become an 8-9 week recovery.

And that is totally unacceptable.

We Colts fans did not pay $720 million dollars in public funds to build a brand new stadium that will get opened on Sunday Night Football by Jim Friggin Sorgi.

Make no mistake, Peyton Manning MUST start against the Bears. I totally disagree with AOL Fanhouse's take on Week One, because (per usual) they are clueless over there:

On the other hand, you can't rush Manning back to return a week early and jeopardize a setback against such a hard-hitting defense. A Brian Urlacher hit in the wrong place on Peyton's knee would ruin the Colts' season ... and they might be able to beat the Bears without Manning anyway.

Sorry, but no. The Colts have a murderous schedule in 2008. Not only is the division the toughest in football, but they play road games at San Diego and Cleveland. They also have their annual Patriots war, this year at home. There are very few "easy" games, and the Bears are as easy as it gets. Not to insult Chicago, but it doesn't take much to see that the Bears are awful. They need to be though because they are indeed re-building. Nothing wrong with that. Kyle Orton is now their starting QB, making Devin Hester completely useless as a WR (if he wasn't already). Rookie OT Chris Williams is out, leaving them without their first round draft pick and opening a huge hole in their o-line. In pre-season, their QBs are getting killed and their RBs can't gain any yards.

You do not give a team like this life by turning the team over to Jim "can't throw the deep ball" Sorgi.

The Bears have to be pummeled and destroyed early, breaking their will and spirit. The Colts should utterly throttle them, not because the Bears are poorly coached (they aren't) or because they don't have talent (they do). The Colts are just better, in almost every way you shake it. However, add Jim Sorgi into the mix and you can potentially screw up a game the Colts absolutely must win. You don't begin the "road to the Super Bowl" losing at home to the friggin' Bears.

Bottom line, if Peyton Manning cannot play Week One, I'll want someone fired, preferably the medical staff. I'll then want the Colts to muzzle Bill Polian. He is either lying to our faces by telling us Peyton would be back by August 25th, or his medical staff is feeding him bad info. The Colts have a HORRIBLE track record when reporting and dealing with injuries. If they screw this one up, the fans will never believe or trust them again when they issue an injury report. Again, I expect Peyton Manning to play in the last pre-season game. I expect him to start Week One against the Bears to open Lucas Oil Stadium.

If he doesn't, I'll want heads to roll!

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BBS I for one would rather see Peyton miss the final preseason games and be better prepared for the Bears game both physically and mentally than holding to what is being said by the Owners, GM, or even the Coaches at this time although I may be wrong here but wasn’t it added later that they were working to make sure Peyton would be available for the 1st game of the reg. season.

by Ufanforreal on Aug 20, 2008 1:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree

However, if he can’t play, that means the procedure wasn’t 4-6 weeks. That means Polian lied back in July, or his medical staff gave him bad info.

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by BigBlueShoe on Aug 20, 2008 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Medical Staff

I also believe that the Colts medical staff leaves a lot to be desired as a pro sports med. unit from past announcements they have made so if there is a delay in his return the finger pointing in my opinion would be at them.

by Ufanforreal on Aug 20, 2008 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Im with you on not having jim “I should be behind an office depot desk” sorgi opening lucas oil field with his presence at qb instead of the face of the franchise. that would be almost criminal

by kinnickcolt on Aug 20, 2008 1:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Polian

I really don’t think Polian cares whether the fans will believe or trust them again. I really don’t. He’s going to do and say what he wants to regardless. However, with that said, there is absolutely no way in hell that Peyton won’t be starting against the Bears. Take that to the bank!

by Ayrshire on Aug 20, 2008 2:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Frustrating

I agree, I get frustrated by all the lying and half truths we fans are told by the front office. But, at the end of the day, what difference does it make? It’s not like if I knew, it would make his healing go any faster. Peyton will be back on the field as soon as possible. Plus, ailments and the human body aren’t really predictable. I mean, you could go in for a routine surgery with an expectation of 1-2 weeks recovery, and end up dead. I wish all this wasn’t so cloak and dagger too, but the only reason it makes a difference to know is for A) betting or B) fantasy leagues.

I do agree with the medical staff complaint. It seems that time and time again there are screw ups, and it’s not clear why.

The Shogun of Harlem

by shonuff on Aug 20, 2008 2:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree

with you completely….

The Front Office and Medical Staff’s reporting are definitely suspect. However, the human body is not 100% predictable..

If anyone can do this, Peyton can. I don’t want to see him lose his consecutive starts, I don’t want to watch Jim Sorgi against the Bears (I have been having Manning withdrawl already!) but…the bottom line is that I want Peyton back HEALTHY. That’s what really matters.

April in CA

by peytonsthebest on Aug 20, 2008 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I totally disagree

I don’t think that even if Manning’s inury takes an extra week or two to heal that it means that Polian lied or that the Colts’ training staff is horrid. Every injury is different. Being off by a few days on an injury doesn’t equate to lying or incompetence. If Manning doesn’t suit up until a week from Monday, is Polian really a liar?

If he misses an extra month, then you can suppose that there was more going on than was admitted. If the Colts decide to play it safe and make his 6 week recovery a 7 week one by missing the last preaseason game, that means nothing.

If we all start freaking out now, the terrorists win.

18to88.com

by deshawn zombie on Aug 20, 2008 2:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

No

An extra week does not mean they lied…there are so many variables with the human body…how could anybody guarantee something like this.

I think that I, at least, heard “4 to 6 weeks” and it sounded (in my head) like 3 weeks. Because don’t you know that Peyton is indestructable? This is all IN MY HEAD, cause its what I WANT to believe. And it breaks my heart to admit this, but he is human. Although he takes more precautions (strength training, etc) to be prepared than any other QB I see in the NFL…that doesn’t mean that sh*t won’t happen. I think that infection was pretty serious…and probably took longer than expected to go away.

So, I’ll find myself grateful whenever he starts. Period. I think I have taken his health and lack of injuries for granted.

April in CA

by peytonsthebest on Aug 20, 2008 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bursa Sac Surgery

I’ve talked to several orthopaedic surgeons (mostly because I shadow one) and they are telling me that the real recovering time for this type of surgery is 6-8 weeks. The surgery itself is minimally invasive, but the recovery from the removal of a bursa sac is fairly substantial. The bursa sac facilitates motion between skin and bone or muscle. He should be ready for week one, but it will be close.

by Sanders_fan89 on Aug 20, 2008 2:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Keep the big picture

The Bill Polian express is always going to keep the football world guessing on the status of the teams players with injury. That being said let Manning heal as needed. No concern with an extra week. An extra month is a grave concern. Until then enjoy the ride and see what comes with all the new players trying to make the team.

by bleedblue on Aug 20, 2008 3:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

90% of the Bears talent

is on the defense. They are as opportunistic as any D in the league if you give them any more of a reason to pin their ears back they can take the game away. Jim Sorgi is that reason. Manning hobbling is enough cause for the Bears to play on their heel. Opening a new stadium gives you a huge boost and the crowd would be extra loud. Sorgi kills that and if the Bears were to get after him early, things could fall apart quickly.

Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!

by Adam T on Aug 20, 2008 3:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Bears

Are not going to win no matter what.

by HelloKitty on Aug 22, 2008 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No worries in my opinion

This is Peyton Manning we’re talking about, he’s missed all of ZERO games, and he’s probably missed 2 or 3 plays in his whole career. If this someone else, maybe I’d be a bit worried, but I have absolute confidence that he’ll be back.

And if he isn’t, prepare for a week 1 game with over half of the points scored by defense and special teams.

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by MrNFL on Aug 20, 2008 3:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

One play

due to injury – and that was a shattered jaw.

April in CA

by peytonsthebest on Aug 20, 2008 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry

It was a fractured jaw…still, just ONE play. wow.

April in CA

by peytonsthebest on Aug 20, 2008 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bursa Sac and Recovery Time

There are 2 things that have bugged me ever since I read about his surgery (which was a surprise to me).

From what I can tell, the knee needs the bursa sac; it cushions the area. Without trying to go all PKish here, what’s going to happen now that the sac is gone? There is no longer a natural lubricant. I understand it had to be removed b/c it was infected, but what is ‘protecting’ his knee now?

My second qualm had to do with the timing. We have seen pictures of his bulging knee from the Pro Bowl in February. Why wait until 8 weeks before the season starts to have the surgery? Why not have it done sooner, take ample time to recover, and be fully ready for training camp and the season?

by TouchdownMonkey on Aug 20, 2008 3:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

From what I understand

The removed bursa sac will grow back. I’m not sure how long it takes, could be that’s why it may take more time..

Some types of bursae will probably grow back after surgery, because the skin needs to slide over the kneecap smoothly

http://www.eorthopod.com/public/patient_education/6522/prepatellar_bursitis.html

April in CA

by peytonsthebest on Aug 20, 2008 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's going to happen now?

Touchdown Monkey, you ask what’s going to happen now that the sac is gone? It’s my understanding that he had the same procedure on his other knee in college (correct me if I’m wrong)…….and I think he’s been fine the past ten years. Actually, more than fine……incredible!

by Ayrshire on Aug 20, 2008 3:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The way I'm understanding it

There’s not just one bursa sac. It’s a ton of them in each joint. Someone somewhere (I thought it was here, but couldn’t find the comment) described it as like a few layers of bubble wrap. So with that analogy they cut out a few of the bubbles (which might grow back) but most of the sacs are still there working fine.

"To argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead." - Thomas Paine

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by shake n bake on Aug 20, 2008 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bursa Sac

Ayrshire:

You’re right it has been reported he had the same operation done on his right leg and we all seen how that effected him.

Heres the info on the bursa sac:

What is bursitis?

A bursa is a closed fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body. “Bursae” is plural for “bursa.” The major bursae are located adjacent to the tendons near the large joints, such as the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. When the bursa becomes inflamed, the condition is known as “bursitis.” Most commonly, bursitis is caused by local soft tissue trauma or strain injury, and there is no infection (aseptic bursitis). On rare occasions, the bursa can become infected with bacteria. This condition is called septic bursitis.

What is knee bursitis?

The knee joint is surrounded by three major bursae. At the tip of the knee, over the kneecap bone, is the prepatellar bursa. This bursa can become inflamed (prepatellar bursitis) from direct trauma to the front of the knee. This commonly occurs with prolonged kneeling position. It has been referred to as “housemaid’s knee,” “roofer’s knee,” and “carpetlayer’s knee,” based on the patient’s associated occupational histories. It can lead to varying degrees of swelling, warmth, tenderness, and redness in the overlying area of the knee. As compared with knee joint inflammation (arthritis), it is usually only mildly painful. It is usually associated with significant pain when kneeling and can cause stiffness and pain with walking. Also, in contrast to problems within the knee joint, the range of motion of the knee is frequently preserved.

Prepatellar bursitis can occur when the bursa fills with blood from injury. It can also be seen in rheumatoid arthritis and from deposits of crystals, as seen in patients with gouty arthritis and pseudogout. The prepatellar bursa can also become infected with bacteria (septic bursitis). When this happens, fever may be present. This type of infection usually occurs from breaks in the overlying skin or puncture wounds. The bacteria involved in septic bursitis of the knee are usually those that normally cover the skin, called staphylococcus. Rarely, a chronically inflamed bursa can become infected by bacteria traveling through the blood.

by Ufanforreal on Aug 20, 2008 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He probably got it infected

by taking too many kneel downs when games are out of reach for the other team :D lol

by skywalker on Aug 20, 2008 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

Thanks for all the info guys. I guess I should have Googled it. Good info.

by TouchdownMonkey on Aug 20, 2008 4:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

whenever he gets back

he’ll be rusty for sure, it will take a few weeks to get his timing back with his receivers.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 20, 2008 5:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Terry

You swore off this site, didn’t you? LOL!

April in CA

by peytonsthebest on Aug 20, 2008 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

no because you failed to produce

anything negative T.O. has done over the last few years.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 21, 2008 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You said

classless…and I believe that we have produced several examples within the past two years…c’mon, this isn’t subjective..you don’t get to brush this stuff aside…

April in CA

by peytonsthebest on Aug 21, 2008 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

To Be Honest

The Colts PR sucks. Tom Zupancic is a great guy, but he is not the best PR guy. This team leads us on a lot. If it weren’t for Dungy being so aware of our players’ off the field conduct, this team would be worse than the Pacers in the public’s eye. The Pacers have great PR but a crappy team of delinquents.

My dad works with a guy who is next-door neighbors to Adam Vinatieri, and Vinny said that he thinks that the Colts should have done the surgery much earlier, but he thinks Peyton will play. That’s about as good of a source that you can get.

http://naptownsfinest.com

by Colts Homer on Aug 20, 2008 5:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I swear

if I never hear the term “bursa sac” again, it will be too soon! UUGGGHHHH!

April in CA

by peytonsthebest on Aug 20, 2008 7:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Whoaa!

Easy there, BBS… how long have you been letting that build up? I’m excited for Peyton to come back, too, but an 800 word rant after championing the idea of “Everything’s Going Going to Be Fine”. Seems like a bit of an, um, overreaction.

And no offense, Colts Homer, but a guy whose “dad works with a guy who is next-door neighbors to Adam Vinatieri” is not what I would consider “as good of a source that you can get.”

Look, I want Peyton back, too, especially for a hyper-exciting game at the opening of the stadium. But I want him MORE for the 15-18 games that follow that. Sure, the recovery time was “expected to be” 4-6 weeks, but it’s not like someone painting your house or fixing your car. This is a human body that had an infection, and a knee that holds up our Super Bowl hopes. Are you really that pissed that they’re being cautious? Don’t lose sight of the forest for the trees —

Giraffes were created when Bob Sanders uppercutted a horse.

by MarvinFanInDC on Aug 21, 2008 10:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Peyton

Is a week behind or so because it took longer than they though to get rid of the infection which was very very bad early on. They wanted it 100% cleared before he could move on.

They wanted and hoped to get him back in 4 or 5 weeks. Instead it’s 6 weeks and maybe a little over. But, 6 weeks is what it appears to be coming too.

by HelloKitty on Aug 22, 2008 12:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs