Indianapolis Colts Say Peyton Manning Won't Return to Field in 2011

After throwing in pads last week, there was speculation about whether Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning would make it on the field this season.

However, despite Manning reportedly wanting to suit up and take some snaps this season, the Colts won't let him do that.

Said Colts vice chairman Bill Polian, via The Indianapolis Star:

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“On Thursday, we met with the doctors and the rehabilitation folks, and the strength and conditioning folks and our training staff, and in that meeting we outlined where Peyton was and where he might be expected to go in the future. With respect to that meeting, it was determined by the doctors that there was no chance he would play this year. His rehabilitation has not come far enough to make it prudent for him to step on the field in game action.”

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Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported that Manning actually wore pads and worked with some of the players, but the medical staff isn't allowing him to make it out there this season.

Said Glazer on Sunday:

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"From what I'm being told, Peyton wants to suit up and take some snaps this year, at some point—next week, the week after. I don't see that happening. I think the team may end up protecting him from himself. But he's trying."

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It appears that Manning isn't worried about his health at this point and is more concerned with playing in 2011. It's also predictable given his competitive spirit, the fact that the Colts may trade him this offseason and the toll of watching the Colts stumble to a 1-13 record (yes, they won on Sunday).