Jim Irsay Doesn't See Peyton Manning Playing This Year, so Why Isn't QB on IR?

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has said he doesn't expect quarterback Peyton Manning to play this season, and he reiterated that stance today. If Irsay doesn't see Manning helping his team at all this season, then why isn't the four-time MVP on injured reserve and not taking up a spot on the Colts' roster?

I can understand if Irsay is holding out hope that Manning could actually get into some game action during the season's final few weeks, but that doesn't seem to be the case. The only explanation I can think of for the team not putting Manning on IR is if management has already determined that the Colts will go winless regardless of who they would add to take the quarterback's spot.

I really don't get that logic, teams should do whatever they can and take advantage of every avenue they possibly can every week. Wasting a roster spot on Manning just seems pointless right now. The Colts are 0-12 and while adding another player won't fix things, who knows, Indianapolis could find someone to provide a spark or at least audition a guy for a spot on the roster next season. 

It really makes no sense to keep Manning on the roster if it is clear to everyone involved that he should not and (in all likelihood) will not play this season. The Colts have kept the quarterback on the roster hoping on the outside chance that he can at least practice at some point this year. That just seems silly this late in the season.

Manning hasn't been cleared for practice and is still doing a limited rehab routine. He's not going to be back before the end of the season and the Colts need to come to grips with that fact, send him to IR and audition some new faces on a roster that desperately needs youth and athleticism.