Indianapolis Colts say Peyton Manning may return this year

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning may make it out of the coaches’ box and back onto the field this season, according to a tweet Monday by team owner Jim Irsay.

Isray wrote on Twitter that there is an ‘outside chance’ Manning might return in December, updating Colts fans on the quarterback’s status after comments he made during a private breakfast with Super Bowl donors.

‘I didn’t say Peyton out 4season FOR SURE, keeping him on ActiveRoster n taking it month by month/Outside chance of return n December possible,’ Isray wrote.

Team spokesman Avis Roper said Manning’s status has not changed and he has not been placed on injured reserve, which would end the four-time league MVP’s season.

It was really weird seeing Manning in the coaches’ box while Curtis Painter attempted to lead a Colts comeback against the Pittsburgh Steelers on ‘Sunday Night Football.’ Manning had started 227 consecutive games before off-season neck surgery caused him to miss all three games so far this season.

Painter, the team’s third-string quarterback, came into Sunday’s game in the fourth quarter after the struggling Kerry Collins left to be evaluated for a possible concussion. The Colts lost the game, 23-20, and dropped to 0-3 this season.

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-- Chuck Schilken

The Associated Press contributed to this report.