Manning Cleared To Play

**matsellah** · 02-02-2012, 05:31 PM

Source

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.

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.

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.

Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay have both said they expect to sit down after the Super Bowl to discuss his future with the team as a March 8 deadline nears in which Manning is due a $28 million option bonus that will trigger the final four years of a five-year, $90 million contract he signed before the 2011 season. The quarterback already received $26 million as part of that deal.

Manning has expressed a desire to settle his future with the Colts "sooner than later." There is widespread belief around the league that Irsay will not exercise the $28 million bonus. Irsay was not available for comment.

Yet should the Colts opt not to exercise the option, they would be forced to release Manning, who would immediately become a free agent. And so, while the NFL's free-agent signing period is set to being with the commencement of a new league year on March 13, Manning could be a free agent as early as next week.

If Manning becomes an unrestricted free agent, several teams are expected to bid for him, including the Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals and possibly the New York Jets, among others.

Teams such as Arizona already have debated the merits of pursuing Manning behind closed doors. Some people within the Cardinals organization believe Manning could do for Arizona what Kurt Warner once did, propelling the team into an instant playoff contender.

Manning likely would be willing to sign a contract that would tie bonuses and salary to his roster status for 2012, and sources say that he will heavily factor in a team's ability to have a roster capable of competing for a playoff spot and, consequently, a Super Bowl title.

Trading Manning no longer is an option. Irsay has stated he will not trade Manning -- which means he would have to pick up the $28 million bonus to retain the quarterback's rights -- and he also will not trade the No. 1 pick in the April draft, when the Colts are expected to select Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck or possibly Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III. Many NFL executives expect Luck to be the pick.

While it is well known that Manning philosophically believes a quarterback who is the first pick in the draft needs to start from day one and wants to avoid the potential controversy that could develop in that situation, the Colts also have aligned their coaching staff with Manning-friendly offensive assistants.

New Colts coach Chuck Pagano recently hired Bruce Arians as the team's offensive coordinator and retained former offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen as the quarterback coach. Arians was Manning's first quarterback coach with the Colts form 1998-2000, and Manning offered Pagano a strong endorsement on Arians last week when the new coach and quarterback met.

Despite the fact that some have wondered if Manning play again, the signs have been encouraging, even dating back to December.

In December, Watkins released a statement through the Colts that said: "X-ray and CT examination of the surgical area shows that the fusion performed in September has achieved firm fixation. Peyton now will be allowed to increase the intensity and breadth of his workouts as tolerated.

"There remains every indication that his recovery will continue. There still is no timetable for Peyton's return to practice, which is one of many steps in his expected return to game action. He is working hard on a rehabilitation program outlined in conjunction with myself, Erin Barill and Peyton. His response to this plan in the future will dictate his return date."

That is what has happened. Manning has intensified his workouts and now those close to him are more optimistic than ever that he will be playing in 2012.

Information from ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen and ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter was used in this report.

**matsellah** · 02-02-2012, 05:35 PM

SteveOReilly Steven O'Reilly
@Pacifica120s He's not walking into that mess in NYJets, the Vikings would be huge!! Wow how hard would the NFC North be!

Tweeting with Steve O'Reilly about where Manning winds up. He thinks Arizona (can't ignore Larry F) or maybe Miami. I'm still leaning towards Minnesota.

**soulman** · 02-03-2012, 12:05 AM

This should be a very interesting story to follow.

**Henry Burris** · 02-03-2012, 12:15 AM

He should pull a **** move and force the Giants to decide between he and Eli...

**blinddeafmute** · 02-03-2012, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by matsellah

Tweeting with Steve O'Reilly about where Manning winds up. He thinks Arizona (can't ignore Larry F) or maybe Miami. I'm still leaning towards Minnesota.

Minny's stadium/relocation issues might come into play.

What i do wonder is if he changes the offense to his scheme wherever he lands.

**Jimmors** · 02-03-2012, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by Henry Burris

He should pull a **** move and force the Giants to decide between he and Eli...

if Eli wins Sunday, i think they will go with him

**soulman** · 02-03-2012, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by soulman

This should be a very interesting story to follow.

Well I said it would get interesting. Colts say, "not so fast" Irsay Tweets that Manning hasn't been cleared by them.
Jim Irsay’s tweet casts doubt on Peyton Manning’s future with the Colts

By Maggie Hendricks | Shutdown Corner – 11 hours ago

Thursday, ESPN reported Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning had been cleared to play football. However, a tweet from Colts owner Jim Irsay raises questions to whether or not Manning will play again in Indianapolis.

Jim Irsay's tweet (Twitter)
Manning's future with the team has been a point of contention since he had to miss the 2011 season with a neck injury. Frustrations between the Super Bowl-winning quarterback and the team's owner bubbled over last week when public comments from both men suggested a rift. Though they talked last Friday to clear the air, these conflicting reports on Manning's health from the two camps won't help the relationship or Manning's chances of staying in Indianapolis.

If Manning does stay with the Colts, they will owe him a $28 million bonus.

**soulman** · 02-03-2012, 12:51 PM

Divorce between Peyton Manning, Colts becoming increasingly inevitable

By Dan Wetzel, Yahoo! Sports 2 hours, 12 minutes ago

INDIANAPOLIS – It’s of little surprise that the Peyton Manning-Jim Irsay relationship would continue to splinter. Statements to the contrary, these two simply don’t appear capable of coexisting any more. They could have at least made it through the Super Bowl ceasefire though.

Word broke Thursday, via ESPN, that Manning had been “medically cleared by two doctors” to resume his football career after missing the entire 2011 season because of a neck injury. The report eventually included an email from Dr. Robert Watkins, who performed a neck procedure on Manning, saying as much.

Jim Irsay has continued to weigh in publicly regarding Peyton Manning.
(AP Photo)

The news sent the football world into a tizzy over the potential ramifications. Would the Indianapolis Colts still draft Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck first overall in April? Would Manning become a tantalizing trade prospect and wind up on a contender? Where would he end up and in what kind of shape?

Then Irsay, the Colts’ outspoken owner, snuffed it early Friday by tweeting: “Peyton has not passed our physical nor has he been cleared to play for The Indianapolis Colts.” And so on it went: Once more, the Colts and the future of their signature, sure-bet Hall of Fame quarterback becoming the talk of Super Bowl XLVI.

So much for the pair’s joint press release last week that was intended to “dispel any misperception that there might be any hard feelings between us.”

Manning and Irsay haven’t had many direct discussions of late but are scheduled to have dinner together (along with other NFL folks) at a pregame party Sunday. Who knows how that scene plays out.

Irsay’s late night tweet, which came after he held a raucous 500-person party (guests included John Mellencamp, Meg Ryan and other celebs) at the Indiana Capitol, had the appearance of annoyance. It was a sharp rebuke of the “cleared to play …” angle that almost everyone assumes was leaked out of Manning’s camp – unless you believe Manning’s doctor would discuss his recovery without his patient’s permission.

Yahoo Sports first reported earlier in the week that even if he is “cleared to play” he doesn’t possess the strength to throw the ball with the necessary velocity. The entire thing could be just semantics in an ongoing soap opera.

Perhaps most telling is that this is still the news of the day even as Indianapolis continues to excel at hosting its biggest event ever, a title game featuring no less than Manning’s younger brother, Eli, of the New York Giants against the New England Patriots.

Couldn’t the “cleared to play” story have waited until next week – especially when there appears to be enough confusion that not even the Colts are acknowledging its accuracy? “Jim and I will talk at the right time,” Peyton Manning said on Tuesday. “[Right now] there’s nothing to talk about.”

Manning also said Tuesday that he had spent the morning at the Colts’ practice facility in a very promising training session which included throwing to two Indy receivers, Anthony Gonzalez and Blair White. He insinuated his rehab work was continuing each day.

Peyton Manning had never missed an NFL game prior to the 2011 season.
(AP Photo)

“I’m having fun and I’m doing what I need to be doing,” Manning said. Other than that, he said the focus should be on the Super Bowl and the city of Indianapolis.

“All the other talk,” Manning said, “it is what it is.” Well, apparently not. The fate of Peyton is of importance here both historically (he made this franchise matter with his arrival in 1998) and competitively (if he’s really healthy, all sorts of things could change).

Everyone knows that, which is why as news drops out and the denials get sharper, the attention grows and grows. It is what it is, as Manning said. Irsay had already put Manning on blast last week when he ripped the quarterback as “a politician” for discussing the state of the Colts in the Indianapolis Star. Irsay felt Manning was trying to get fans on his side in case there is an eventual split.

Irsay chastised Manning for not “keeping it in the family.” “If you’ve got a problem, you talk to each other,” Irsay told reporters. “It’s not about campaigning or anything like that.”

By Friday morning, he was issuing pointed tweets and promising further press releases. They clearly hadn’t talked to each other about this news development.
The family dynamic is over here. The chances of Manning ever wearing a Colts jersey again, whether he is indeed “cleared to play”, is increasingly remote. The tension appears real, no matter the joint statements.

These two can’t seem to manage to even keep this quiet through the big game and allow the focus to fall on Manning’s brother and the city both men hold dear. You can all but forget next season.

**soulman** · 02-03-2012, 12:51 PM

Divorce between Peyton Manning, Colts becoming increasingly inevitable

By Dan Wetzel, Yahoo! Sports 2 hours, 12 minutes ago

INDIANAPOLIS – It’s of little surprise that the Peyton Manning-Jim Irsay relationship would continue to splinter. Statements to the contrary, these two simply don’t appear capable of coexisting any more. They could have at least made it through the Super Bowl ceasefire though.

Word broke Thursday, via ESPN, that Manning had been “medically cleared by two doctors” to resume his football career after missing the entire 2011 season because of a neck injury. The report eventually included an email from Dr. Robert Watkins, who performed a neck procedure on Manning, saying as much.

Jim Irsay has continued to weigh in publicly regarding Peyton Manning.
(AP Photo)

The news sent the football world into a tizzy over the potential ramifications. Would the Indianapolis Colts still draft Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck first overall in April? Would Manning become a tantalizing trade prospect and wind up on a contender? Where would he end up and in what kind of shape?

Then Irsay, the Colts’ outspoken owner, snuffed it early Friday by tweeting: “Peyton has not passed our physical nor has he been cleared to play for The Indianapolis Colts.” And so on it went: Once more, the Colts and the future of their signature, sure-bet Hall of Fame quarterback becoming the talk of Super Bowl XLVI.

So much for the pair’s joint press release last week that was intended to “dispel any misperception that there might be any hard feelings between us.”

Manning and Irsay haven’t had many direct discussions of late but are scheduled to have dinner together (along with other NFL folks) at a pregame party Sunday. Who knows how that scene plays out.

Irsay’s late night tweet, which came after he held a raucous 500-person party (guests included John Mellencamp, Meg Ryan and other celebs) at the Indiana Capitol, had the appearance of annoyance. It was a sharp rebuke of the “cleared to play …” angle that almost everyone assumes was leaked out of Manning’s camp – unless you believe Manning’s doctor would discuss his recovery without his patient’s permission.

Yahoo Sports first reported earlier in the week that even if he is “cleared to play” he doesn’t possess the strength to throw the ball with the necessary velocity. The entire thing could be just semantics in an ongoing soap opera.

Perhaps most telling is that this is still the news of the day even as Indianapolis continues to excel at hosting its biggest event ever, a title game featuring no less than Manning’s younger brother, Eli, of the New York Giants against the New England Patriots.

Couldn’t the “cleared to play” story have waited until next week – especially when there appears to be enough confusion that not even the Colts are acknowledging its accuracy? “Jim and I will talk at the right time,” Peyton Manning said on Tuesday. “[Right now] there’s nothing to talk about.”

Manning also said Tuesday that he had spent the morning at the Colts’ practice facility in a very promising training session which included throwing to two Indy receivers, Anthony Gonzalez and Blair White. He insinuated his rehab work was continuing each day.

Peyton Manning had never missed an NFL game prior to the 2011 season.
(AP Photo)

“I’m having fun and I’m doing what I need to be doing,” Manning said. Other than that, he said the focus should be on the Super Bowl and the city of Indianapolis.

“All the other talk,” Manning said, “it is what it is.” Well, apparently not. The fate of Peyton is of importance here both historically (he made this franchise matter with his arrival in 1998) and competitively (if he’s really healthy, all sorts of things could change).

Everyone knows that, which is why as news drops out and the denials get sharper, the attention grows and grows. It is what it is, as Manning said. Irsay had already put Manning on blast last week when he ripped the quarterback as “a politician” for discussing the state of the Colts in the Indianapolis Star. Irsay felt Manning was trying to get fans on his side in case there is an eventual split.

Irsay chastised Manning for not “keeping it in the family.” “If you’ve got a problem, you talk to each other,” Irsay told reporters. “It’s not about campaigning or anything like that.”

By Friday morning, he was issuing pointed tweets and promising further press releases. They clearly hadn’t talked to each other about this news development.
The family dynamic is over here. The chances of Manning ever wearing a Colts jersey again, whether he is indeed “cleared to play”, is increasingly remote. The tension appears real, no matter the joint statements.

These two can’t seem to manage to even keep this quiet through the big game and allow the focus to fall on Manning’s brother and the city both men hold dear. You can all but forget next season.

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