Is this the end for #18?

Since being drafted by the Colts in 1998, Peyton Manning has not missed a start in the regular season or the playoffs. Number 18 has logged 227 games since then, always lining up under center or in shotgun formation on the Hoosier/RCA Dome and Lucas Oil turf. That streak is coming to an end. Could it also spell the end of a hall-of-fame career?

It would seem that neck surgery last spring will keep Manning in street clothes for this weekend's home opener and possibly longer. Columnist Bob Kravitz says that without Peyton, "the Colts are cooked." I don't know if that is true for the game against the Texans. I assume that given the weaponry of Addai and Wayne, Kerry Collins will find a way to lead Big Blue to victory. Of course, there are a lot of questions at offensive line, but if they can block worth a damn, the offense should be able to score. Oh, and Ryan Diem...stay put until the ball is snapped, please!

I am not worried about one game or one season. I am worried about the waning years of Peyton's career. Will this neck problem sideline him for good? Why is it taking so long to heal after surgery?

I've been worried for years that Bill Polian had no plan for Peyton's exit. He's never courted a decent backup and old man Collins was an act of desperation, a stop-gap measure, if you will. What is the future of this team? Who will carry the coveted franchise tag? Who's even willing to carry the clipboard for #18? We need a long-term solution. We needed it three or four years ago!

C'mon Irsay and Company! I hope this is a wake-up call for the organization.

***UPDATED THURS, 9/8 @ 11:34 A.M.***
Speaking of Irsay, ESPN reports that he just tweeted that Manning will be out "awhile." See what I'm saying? This could be the unwinding of a spectacular career.