Peyton Manning: Is the Indianapolis Colts Quaterback's Career Over?

A new report released Thursday by Chris Mortensen of ESPN stated that Peyton Manning had yet another surgical procedure done on his neck.

Now, I'm not a doctor, but neck surgery of any kind does not sound good. To make matters worse, this was Manning's third.

This leaves Indianapolis Colts fans wondering what's in the future for their franchise and Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback.

Manning now holds the torch in the NFL with 227 consecutive starts, but he will relinquish this streak when backup Kerry Collins takes the Colts' first snap Sunday versus the Houston Texans.

The questions that arise are: When will Manning return this season? Will he be the same field general as before? Will he return to the field at all? 

Manning has been the model of consistency during his time in the NFL. Since being selected No. 1 overall in the 1998 NFL draft, Manning has amassed 54,828 yards, 399 touchdowns, 11 Pro Bowls, four MVP awards and a Super Bowl.

The recent news of his latest surgery has to be a punch in the gut to the Colts organization and fans. With the kickoff to the new season just days away, Colts fans' attitudes just went from questionable to grim. Manning brought his team from the basement of the NFL to prominence and respect.

His absence on the field will be missed in the NFL. No one has ever called a game like him at the line of scrimmage. If he never takes another snap, he will undoubtedly go down in the history books as one of the best ever.

As a football fan, only one question comes to mind: Is Peyton Manning's career over?