SI: Manning had 4, not 3 procedures

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Peyton Manning may have actually had four surgeries on his neck, one more than previously thought, according to a Sports Illustrated article published Wednesday .

SI.com cites NFL sources who say the MVP quarterback had an additional surgery during the past two years. The article does not specify when the surgery took place but believes it was between May and September.

Wednesday’s SI article goes onto say, “In addition, league sources say Manning's neck has potentially developed bone spurs just above the point where his latest fusion surgery took place in early September…”

Yet another surgery is something the Indianapolis Colts will have to take into consideration when deciding whether or not to offer Manning his contractual bonus in March.

Manning has been spotted on the practice field at Duke University with his former college offensive coordinator David Cutliffe.

Reports surfaced in early February that Manning’s personal doctor cleared him to play football again at a professional level. Team owner Jim Irsay quickly over ruled that idea saying Manning had yet to be cleared by the team’s physicians.

We consulted local orthopedics specialist Dr. Terry R. Trammell about the impact of a fourth procedure in Manning’s recovery.

He was quick to point out that a procedure could be anything ranging from an injection for pain to an all out stem cell treatment.

Dr. Trammell told 24-Hour News 8’s Debby Knox that the number of procedures did not concern him as much as the process of nerve regeneration in Manning’s recovery process.

Nerve regeneration, he said, will impact Manning’s strength and will be a determining factor as to whether or not the quarterback will recover his maximum throwing strength in his arm.

Additionally, Dr. Trammell brought up hereditary concerns that could prevent Manning’s return to the field, echoing similar concerns expressed in the SI article.

“The team is concerned that Manning's neck injuries have reached the chronic stage, and that there could be a genetic aspect to his condition,” the article reads.

Peyton’s older brother Cooper had his football career cut short due to issues with his spine.