At the forefront of the Peyton Manning conversation — as it has always been — is his recovery progress from three neck surgeries and the regeneration of the nerves in his throwing arm.

It’s a process that Manning has insisted is on track, but the reports vary as to just how well the four-time MVP can presently throw. Many continue to paint a picture of a slow process toward rebuilding proper arm strength. NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora offered up just last week that Manning was dealing with tingling in his arm, false sensations and trouble gripping the ball.

Add to that the latest from NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi, who reiterated Thursday during an interview on “The B.S. Report” what he has previously reported: Manning can’t effectively throw.

“I think it’s unrealistic to assume (he can return). He can’t throw the ball,” Lombardi said. “I’ve talked to people who’ve caught the ball for him. He can’t throw the ball to his left. He can’t throw the ball across his body, because he doesn’t feel it. People who catch the ball for him say he doesn’t really have velocity on the ball yet.”

Where it stands now — which is where it has stood since his last surgery — is that until Manning can throw at a level expected of an NFL quarterback, the question about where he will play next season is nothing but idle chatter.

Posted in: NFL Network  | comments  |