Manning's agent: Peyton Manning expects to play

The Colts QB (for now) missed the entire 2011 season after having neck surgery, but has recently said his recovery is right on schedule.

So much, in fact, that he's looking forward to playing next season.

"Peyton certainly expects to return to play," Manning's agent Tom Condon told the NFL Network. "He wants to play, he's enthusiastic about it.

"He's made a substantial amount of progress so we anticipate him playing football next year."

Where exactly he'll be playing is yet to be determined. Odds are slim that he'll return to Indianapolis, meaning he'll be leaving the only team he's ever played for.

Speculation has had Manning destined for a handful of teams, including the Arizona Cardinals. That is, of course, if the Colts let him go.

"I would expect soon," Condon said of when a decision on Manning's status will be made. "This is a tough time. Tough for Peyton, because there's always the potential that you could be separated from the team that you've been with for a very long period of time."