HOUSTON (AP) - Colts quarterback Peyton Manning was inactive for Sunday’s opener in Houston with a neck injury, officially ending his streak of 227 consecutive starts, including playoffs.
The four-time MVP did not travel with the team after undergoing more surgery Thursday. Kerry Collins, signed on Aug. 24, starts in Manning’s place.
Manning is expected to be out at least two months and perhaps for the entire season. This was his third neck surgery in 19 months and doctors said his prognosis for recovery is good.
He was the first overall draft pick in 1998 and has started every game for the Colts since the start of that season. Manning is third in career yards passing (54,828), completions (4,682) and touchdown passes (399).
The 35-year-old Manning has led the Colts to 11 playoff appearances and a Super Bowl victory over the Chicago Bears after the 2006 season.
Collins, the 38-year-old quarterback who spent the last five seasons with the Titans, will start his 178th game on Sunday.
The Colts’ other inactive players included receivers Anthony Gonzalez and Blair White, running back Darren Evans and guard Jamey Richard.
Texans running back Arian Foster was also inactive after sitting out practice all week to nurse a left hamstring injury. Foster, the NFL’s leading rusher in 2010, rushed for 231 yards in a season-opening victory over the Colts last year.
Other inactive players for the Texans include quarterback T.J. Yates, cornerbacks Brandon Harris and Roc Carmichael, guard Thomas Austin, tackle Derek Newton and defensive end Tim Bulman.
Cornerback Kevin Thomas and defensive end Jerry Hughes were also inactive for Indianapolis.
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