Peyton Manning medically cleared to resume NFL career

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mortreportChris Mortensen
Peyton Manning medically cleared to resume NFL career, per sources. More coming on ESPN now. #NFL32



Peyton Manning has been medically cleared by two doctors, including Dr. Robert Watkins, who performed the most recent surgery on the Indianapolis Colts quarterback's neck, to resume his NFL career, sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen and ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

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The sources said Watkins examined Manning recently in Los Angeles and concluded the stability in his neck would have allowed the quarterback to play this Sunday if the nerves in his arm had regenerated to a satisfactory performance level.

Watson also instructed the quarterback to continue an aggressive rehabilitation path that provides an optimistic outlook for Manning to play in 2012. Watkins performed Manning's spinal fusion on Sept. 8, and on Dec. 1 declared that the fusion had achieved "firm fixation."

Watkins, according to the sources, joined Colts neurosurgeon Dr. Hank Feuer in clearing Manning to play. One source said that Feuer recently told Manning, "If you were my own son, I'd tell (you) to go play."

In addition to Manning's optimistic words expressed in an interview with ESPN on Tuesday, in which he indicated he plans to resume his playing career, the medical clearance by his two doctors, the sources said, will bolster his determination to play in 2012.

What remains in question is the timeline in which Manning's nerve regeneration to his triceps will improve to the point where he is throwing passes in the manner that helped him win four MVP awards during his 13-year career.

Manning

According to one source familiar with Manning's medical review, "It's not a safety issue; it's a performance issue." This source added that Manning is "making progress."

The source said Manning had a throwing session Tuesday with two of his Colts receivers -- Anthony Gonzalez and Blair White -- at an undisclosed location and that Manning has spent numerous recent days throwing to at least one wide receiver, aiming to regain as much strength as possible in his arm.

However, the source said Manning still cannot pinpoint a date when his performance will reach an acceptable level to him. The source alluded that it might take to the one-year anniversary of Manning's May 23rd, 2011 surgery on a bulging disk in his neck.

[Thig Lyfe]

Originally Posted by eric007

For those of you who think Cassels safe,hes not.I told you https://twitter.com/#!/mellinger/sta...13311972024322

Yo do you have any news on this Watergate thing I've been hearing about???

[mikey23545]

Git 'R Done!!!!

[ToxSocks]

Because Romeo hopes Orton comes back = Aggressively searching for Cassel's replacement?

Nah.

I don't think so.

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by eric007

For those of you who think Cassels safe,hes not.I told you https://twitter.com/#!/mellinger/sta...13311972024322

That can mean a lot of things from signing Peyton to signing another FA or Orton or who knows? Right now I have not heard anything that says Cassel won't be the starting QB.

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by Detoxing

Because Romeo hopes Orton comes back = Aggressively searching for Cassel's replacement?

Nah.

I don't think so.

If it comes down to Cassel or Orton give me Orton. Especially if you sign Saunders as OC. Orton has a much better chance at executing that offense than Cassel does. Then again, Orton has a much better chance at executing any offense than Cassel.

[ToxSocks]

Originally Posted by petegz28

If it comes down to Cassel or Orton give me Orton. Especially if you sign Saunders as OC. Orton has a much better chance at executing that offense than Cassel does. Then again, Orton has a much better chance at executing any offense than Cassel.

Oh, no doubt.

I'm just saying that that one tiny little quote Romeo made about HOPING that Orton returns does not = the Chiefs being aggressive, as Mellinger would like us all to believe.

[Fritz88]

This thread is not getting enough love.

[Hammock Parties]

While Peyton Manning remains optimistic about his return, people in the Colts org. aren't as certain because of nerve in neck and triceps — @ClaytonESPN via Twitter

[Fritz88]

Originally Posted by Han Solo

While Peyton Manning remains optimistic about his return, people in the Colts org. aren't as certain because of nerve in neck and triceps — @ClaytonESPN via Twitter

Go suck Fischers dick.

[tk13]

I understand the hype around the league... this was almost a political PR move by Manning I think. We still don't know if the guy can even throw a football. Chiefs fans went through this for 2 years with Priest Holmes, we should know better.

Although it is good news from the perspective of his neck. If his neck is alright he might be able to play again at some point. That's the question though... contract length. The guy hasn't been able to throw a football right for a long time. He might look very, very rusty even if he is back to full strength by this season.

[Mr. Laz]

cleared to play and strong enough to play are two completely different things

[BossChief]

Manning was throwing almost 2 months ago.

He just didnt throw anything past 20 yards.

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by BossChief

Manning was throwing almost 2 months ago.

He just didnt throw anything past 20 yards.

He'll fit right in with our offense!

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by Laz

cleared to play and strong enough to play are two completely different things

so are February and September.

[Chiefnj2]

Originally Posted by BossChief

Manning was throwing almost 2 months ago.

He just didnt throw anything past 20 yards.

Throwing 10 passes on the sideline doesn't mean anything.