Report: Manning medically clear, but nerve issue remains

Feb 2, 2012

With ESPN reporting that Peyton Manning has been medically cleared to resume his NFL career, the reality is that little has changed for the NFL's only four-time Most Valuable Player.

Manning, who underwent three surgical procedures on his neck in a 19-month period that forced him to sit out the entire 2011 season, got the green light from two doctors, according to ESPN's report.

One of them was Dr. Robert Watkins, who performed the last surgery on Manning in September - a cervical neck fusion to repair a bulging disk.

However, Manning still faces a significant hurdle to getting back on the field as he awaits the nerves in his right arm to regenerate.

That has been the biggest issue since Manning was given the OK to resume throwing in December. Doctors have no way to predict a timetable for the nerve regeneration.

Signed to a long-term contract before the season, Manning is due a $28 million roster bonus on March 8. If the Colts decline to pay the bonus, he will become a free agent.

Indianapolis has the No. 1 selection in April's NFL draft and is expected to select Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.

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Report: Manning medically clear, but nerve issue remains