Peyton Manning Medically Cleared To Play [NFL Sources]

While he hasn’t announced his medical clearance and the Indianapolis Colts have remained mum about the situation several NFL source have told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen that Peyton Manning has been medically cleared to play.

Manning has apparently been cleared by not one but two doctors including Dr. Robert Watkins who performed the quarterbacks most recent neck surgery.

According to one source Watkins said Manning would be play ready this Sunday if the nerves in his arm had regenerated to a satisfactory performance level.

The doctor is also urging Peyton Manning to continue on his path towards an aggressive rehabilitation which will provide an optimistic play schedule for Manning in 2012.

Manning’s spinal fusion took place on Sept. 8 with a declared “firm fixation” announced on Dec. 1.

In a glowing remark one source says Colts neurosurgeon Dr. Hank Feuer recently told Manning

“If you were my own son, I’d tell [you] to go play.”

As I previously reported Peyton Manning shot down rumors of a retirement, stating that his rehabilitation was right on track.

If Manning remains with the Indianapolis Colts he’ll be $28 million richer after which time the Colts will be forced to pay him that large bonus.

At this time it’s believed that Peyton Manning’s injuries are not about a safety issue but rather a playing issue as the quarterback continues to rebuild the nerves in his throwing arm which have been damaged since his surgery.

Do you think Peyton Manning will play another down in the NFL or is his career officially over?