ESPN.com News Services
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning had a medical procedure to remove an infected bursa sac from his left knee.
Colts President Bill Polian announced the procedure, described as routine, on Monday night. Polian said the team’s medical staff expects Manning to have “a full and complete return to action” in four to six weeks.
Colts training camp begins July 25.
“Peyton had been receiving conservative treatment for an inflamed bursa sac in consultation with the club’s medical staff since February 2008. This course of treatment was productive until Peyton experienced increased pain and early signs of infection,” Polian said.
Depending on the recovery process, it is possible that the Colts open against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 7 — their first regular season game in the new Lucas Oil Stadium — without the two-time NFL MVP.
For the preseason at least, the bulk of the work could fall on little-used backup Jim Sorgi. Entering his fifth season with Indianapolis, Sorgi saw time in four games in 2007 and was 18 for 36 for 132 yards and a touchdown.
Manning, 32, started 16 games for a 10th consecutive season in 2007 — giving him 160 consecutive regular-season starts. He also was selected to the Pro Bowl for the eighth time.
Polian said Manning would meet with the media when the Colts open camp.
