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Peyton's neck surgeries
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Peyton Manning | Colts
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SI.com's Don Banks reports that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has actually undergone four surgeries on his neck over the past two years, not three, as had been widely reported. The extra procedure took place at some point between his May 23 surgery to repair a bulging disk and the cervical neck fusion that took place Sept. 9.

"In addition," Banks added, "league sources say Manning's neck has potentially developed bone spurs just above the point where his latest fusion surgery took place in early September, and the Colts organization is under the belief that it is nearly inevitable Manning will at some point require further surgery, and possibly another fusion procedure, even if he does successfully return to the field in 2012.

"It's unclear how any potential long-term neck issues will impact Manning's decision to attempt a resumption of his NFL playing career later this year."

Banks goes on to give more details about Manning's attempts to play at the end of the 2011 regular season, which gives some insight into the relationship between Manning and the Colts. Concerns about an aging quarterback with a problematic neck are legitimate for Manning, the Colts and his suitors if he becomes a free agent. An incentive-laden contract seems like the best hope for Manning in 2012.