Bill Polian, speaking on his weekly radio show Monday night said he "didn't know the answer" as to whether or not Peyton Manning would be back with Indianapolis next season.
"I don't know the answer to that," Polian said. "There are so many variables involved that it's impossible to tell at this point in time. It's our fervent hope that he is. But I couldn't unequivocally give you an answer of yea or nay."
What that means is Charley Casserly's report of the Colts wanting to renegotiate the terms of Manning's option, or at least the deadline for the option, is likely correct.
The Colts will ask Peyton for more time to evaluate his health before committing $28 million to him in 2012. And that's fair. But it's still an ominous sign for Peyton's future in Indy that the guy making the call can't commit to whether or not his franchise quarterback will return.