Irsay: Manning likely out for the season

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning will likely be out for the remainder of the season, team owner Jim Irsay announced at breakfast meeting with Super Bowl donors Monday, saying that the QB may take practice snaps in December.

The announcement comes just hours after the Colts turned to their third string quarterback in a 23-20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Sources at the breakfast meeting report Manning won't practice again until December and may not play again until 2012.

Irsay later clarified in a Tweet saying that a Manningless season was not "for sure" and that the team is keeping him on the active roster.

There is an outside chance, Irsay said, that Peyton could return in December.

@JimIrsay "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"

The Colts brought former Titians QB Kerry Collins out of retirement to lead the team in Manning’s absence. The move came as concerns grew over Curtis Painter’s inexperience in the pocket.

Those concerns peaked once again Sunday night when Collins left the game following a big hit, forcing Painter in the game. The third-string quarterback led the team on an 80-yard touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter.

Irsay tweeted Monday, calling Painter “gusty” saying “he's getting more comfortable back there.”

The Colts confirmed Sept. 8 that Manning had a "single-level anterior fusion" and that his third surgery was "uneventful."

The procedure - which spinal vertebrae together to stabalize the spine - was the outcome of tests and consultations after Manning's recovery from a previous neck surgery in May was progressing slowly. The surgery in May was to repair a bulging disc.

Information later surfaced that the MVP quarterback traveled outside of the country for stem cell treatment .

Colts vice chairman Bill Polian has already begun seeking Peyton's heir. He told a radio audience that Peyton will play in Indianapolis for several more years.

24-Hour News 8 will have full coverage of the announcement plus analysis of the Colts situation for a live report today at Noon. You can watch our coverage live on WISHTV.com