Hours after Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted that Peyton Manning would be out "awhile," ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that the star quarterback had further neck surgery Thursday morning.
Per the report, Manning underwent a "one-level cervical neck fusion" and it's unknown whether he will be able to return this season.
The team released a statement Thursday afternoon:
"Peyton has undergone this surgery today by having a single level anterior fusion. The surgery was un-eventful.
This procedure is performed regularly throughout the country on persons from all walks of life, including professional football players. Two former Colts players had this same procedure last winter and have fully resumed their careers. Rehabilitation from such surgery is typically an involved process. Therefore, there will be no estimation of a return date at this time. We will keep Peyton on the active roster until we have a clearer picture of his recovery process."
According to Will Carroll (@injuryexpert) of SI.com, the injury is potentially career ending.
It was his third surgery in 19 months.
The Colts officially ruled the 35-year-old out for Week 1 on Wednesday, ending his consecutive starts streak at 227 including playoffs.