Peyton Manning's Doubtful Status Puts Indianapolis Colts' Season in Jeopardy

If Peyton Manning misses just one game there is no telling how many more will follow.

The Indianapolis Colts' star quarterback has never missed a game in his entire career.

For 14 years he has been the driving force behind one of the more miraculous turnarounds a franchise has seen. Instead of losing for years at a time, the Colts have always been a threat to win a game with Manning under center.

On Sunday, when the Colts take the field in Houston, that era may be coming to a close.

Forget about Brett Favre's consecutive starts streak; Manning's injury isn't one where he can grit it out. He won't take the field in the condition he is currently in. And there is no point in rushing him back until he's fully healthy.

The Colts released a report today that Manning will cease practicing this week. The team's statement also said, "(he) will likely be doubtful."

"Doubtful" is not out, not yet, but expecting No. 18 to walk onto the field Sunday without completely healed nerve damage is foolish at best.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen also said sources told him:

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Manning's triceps strength has plateaued and he doesn't have the arm strength right now. Manning also had some back soreness that worsened during the weekend.

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Indianapolis hasn't missed the postseason since 2001 and have failed to win their division only twice during that span.

The only constant in the last nine years has been Peyton Manning at quarterback.

If that changes, everything changes. The signing of Kerry Collins was insurance at best, and when he takes the field their playing not to lose.

Their defensive front seven isn't equipped to truly stop the run yet, their secondary is average at best and offensively they have as many question marks as they do sure things.

Outscoring opponents was never not an option with Manning calling the shots; with Collins they'll be lucky to hit the league average.

This isn't Manning's fault; everyone gets injured at some time or other. Unfortunately, there are few players in the league more valuable to their team than he.

The Colts won't make the postseason if he misses four or more games. This is fact. For the first time since 2002 they failed to win more than 10 games a year ago and they needed all 16 games to assure themselves a place in the playoffs.

The outlook in Indianapolis is doubtful, all the way around, and without Peyton Manning I doubt highly that they scare anyone but themselves.

One game they can live with, even if it is against the Texans. But once the weeks start moving by, and if Manning isn't on the field, the Colts are in serious trouble.