Manning to miss Colts' Sunday opener

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning said he isn't healthy enough to play and will miss the Colts' season-opener Sunday at Houston.

It will mark the first time in 208 games Manning won't start for Indianapolis, snapping a string that began in 1998.

"I simply am not healthy enough to play," Manning said in a statement Wednesday.

Manning, 35, underwent neck surgery in May. On Aug. 29 he was activated and allowed to participate in practices on a limited basis. However, over the weekend the Colts said Manning had soreness in his back and missed practice.

"To say I am disappointed in not being able to play is an understatement," Manning said. "The best part about football is being out there on the field playing with my teammates. …

"The team will do fine without me and I know for sure that I will miss them much more than they will miss me."

Kerry Collins will start for the Colts at quarterback. Collins retired July 7 but was signed by Indianapolis when it appeared Manning might not be able to play. He led the New York Giants to the Super Bowl after the 2000 season.

Manning, who recently signed a $90 million, five-year contract with Indianapolis, has passed for 54,828 yards and 399 touchdowns on his career, all of which has been with the Colts.