Peyton could see streak end

Peyton Manning, who has never missed a game since being drafted first overall by the Colts in 1998, faces the prospect of seeing his 227-game starting streak end because of continuing problems associated with neck surgery he had in May.

The Colts announced Monday that Manning, who was activated last week from the physically unable to perform list, will be held out of practice and is listed as doubtful for Sunday's regular-season opener against the Texans in Houston.

If Manning can't play, recently signed Kerry Collins, who once led the Giants to the Super Bowl, is expected to start.

"During the last week, the rate of improvement in Peyton's rehabilitation process slowed," the Colts said in a statement. "Over the weekend, Peyton experienced soreness in his back. When the soreness persisted, the Colts' medical team decided to begin diagnostic tests and to consult with a number of specialists around the country who have been involved in Peyton's case from the outset."

There are no immediate plans for any additional surgery on Manning's neck.

"I hate it for Peyton,'' center Jeff Saturday, one of Manning's closest friends, told reporters Monday. "You want him to be healthy, you want him to be back, but you want him to take care of it, too. It's sad when players face tough times, but I know he's strong enough to get through it.''

Manning has started 208 straight regular-season games, the most among active players. If Manning can't start Sunday, Bucs cornerback Ronde Barber, who has started 179 straight games, will hold the longest streak for active players.

Manning had surgery May 23 to address a nerve issue in his neck, but the recovery has taken longer than the six to eight weeks expected.