Written by
TSN The Sports Network
Indianapolis, IN (Sports Network) - Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said
early Friday morning that quarterback Peyton Manning has not yet been cleared
to play by the team.
Reports on Thursday indicated that Manning has been cleared by his own doctors
to return to football following neck surgery that kept him sidelined for the
entire 2011 season.
However, Irsay responded differently on Twitter.
"Peyton has not passed our physical nor has he been cleared to play for The
Indianapolis Colts," Irsay tweeted. "Team statement coming on Friday."
Last Friday, Manning and Irsay issued a joint statement in an attempt to quell
rumors of a disruptive spat between the two. Both had made comments through
the media earlier in the week following the upheaval in the club's front
office and coaching staff.
There has been speculation that Manning, healthy or not, may not return for
the Colts next season.
After a 2-14 season without the four-time MVP, the Colts gained the first pick
in April's draft. With Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck considered a can't
miss prospect, the team may be willing to shed Manning's high price and start
over.
A March 8 deadline looms for the Colts, who must decide whether to keep
Manning and pay him a $28 million roster bonus for 2012 or allow him to leave
as a free agent.
The Sports Network