Peyton Manning: Is Manning Caving into Pressure of Losing Job to Top Draft Pick?

Peyton Manning made headlines on Wednesday after beginning a throwing regimen for the first time all season.

Manning, who is coming off two neck surgeries, has been held out this season while a group of underwhelming backups have "led" the Indianapolis Colts to a 0-13 record.

As the Colts grow ever closer to a potential winless season, that means they will have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 draft, which just so happens to sport elite prospect Andrew Luck out of Stanford.

Luck, ironically enough, has been compared to Manning coming out of Tennessee by many draft experts, and he would be the ideal successor to Manning whenever he's ready to hang up his cleats.

But you have to wonder if Manning's throwing regimen on Wednesday was in part inspired by rumors that the Colts may trade Manning and go with Luck.

Manning, an 11-time Pro Bowler with a Super Bowl to his name, is obviously a future Hall of Famer, but the fact is that he's also older now, and there's no telling how he'll come back from his neck surgeries. Neck injuries are a serious deal and have forced many players to retire from the NFL.

Colts head coach Jim Caldwell said on Wednesday, via The Washington Post:

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“His rehab is, they’re increasing it, is ramping up a little here and there. But in terms of today, no. There is no plan (for his return) at this point.”

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There really is no reason for Manning to begin throwing at this point. The Colts have three games remaining, and there should be no reason for him to rush things if he is indeed slated to start in 2012.

That has some wondering if the writing is already on the wall for Manning.

Manning has never been one to panic on the field, but he may be panicking off it.