Peyton Manning Injury: Colts Star QB Needs to Shut Himself Down

Why does Peyton Manning insist on coming back to join a terrible team?

According to Michael Marot of the Denver Post, Manning believes there is still a chance he will play this year:

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"I think you have to have hope until the doctors rule you out," Manning said Thursday in his first comments in the Indy locker room since the latest surgery on his injured neck. "We're having a lot of injuries so if they come to me and say they have to make a move, I won't fight them on that."

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Marot also points out that the last surgery was successful, which is no surprise, but that doesn't mean Manning should come back and play this season.

Even if Manning were to come back this week, this team is likely out of the playoffs. They are currently 0-4, and will have at least eight losses by the time Manning is ready to get on the field.

Philip Watson of the Indy Star provides us an explanation as to why Manning is still on the active roster,

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He’s on the active roster because:

A) He doesn’t want to go on IR.

B) It gives the fan base hope he could come back this year.

C) The Colts want to see him play once this year to be sure of their investment the next three years.

D) The Polians want to at least see him practice before the end of the season.

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Points A and B are meaningless at this point, but C and D have a lot of meaning and purpose.

The Colts aren't ready to throw Manning on IR, because they want to see if he has anything left in the tank. Remember, the Colts can opt out of Manning's contract after the season, and cut bait. If they hold the first pick in the draft and can select Andrew Luck, they may pounce at the opportunity.

However, Manning has been the face of the franchise for a long time, and even if the team is able to draft Luck, the fan base is going to be extremely upset about losing Manning.

The Colts and Manning should come to a mutual understanding. Peyton should be shut down for the season, and the Colts should re-evaluate him after the season before making any rash decisions about his future.

The Colts are certainly within reach of the No. 1 pick, so a QB controversy could certainly be brewing in Indianapolis, but that doesn't mean they should risk further injury to Manning by keeping him on the active roster and asking him to play near the end of the season.