BY KEVIN ARMSTRONG, DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER Peyton Manning Colts quarterback Peyton Manning traveled to Europe for stem cell therapy that is currently not approved in the United States as he made a last-ditch effort to stave off further surgery on his neck in September, according to a report on Fox’s pre-game show. Manning, 35, missed the Colts’ opener against the Houston Texans last week after undergoing his third surgery in 19 months because the stem cell treatment did not work. The Colts deemed the surgery “uneventful” and called the ensuing rehabilitation process “involved.” They did not provide a timeline for his recovery, but he is expected to miss two-to-three months, and it is uncertain whether he will return this season. It would also be a blow to those who have Manning on their fantasy football team and worry his fans. Manning’s rehabilitation began immediately after his most recent surgery. Prior to that he underwent a procedure on May 23 to repair a bulging disk and had hoped the four months of physical therapy would allow him to play by the Colts’ opener Sept. 11, but progress leveled off, forcing him to seek further treatment. “To say I am disappointed in not being able to play is an understatement,” Manning said in a statement after his latest surgery. “I simply am not healthy enough to play, and I am doing everything I can to get my health back.” Dr. Victor Khabie, co-chief at the Orthopedics and Spine Institute at Northern Westchester Hospital, cautioned that the nerves in Manning’s neck could affect his arm strength, and may limit his capabilities moving forward. To read more, click here.
