The Facts: Following up on the ongoing saga. ... In the wake of ESPN's report that Manning has been medically cleared to play, Colts owner Jim Irsay responded via Twitter early this morning: “Peyton has not passed our physical nor has he been cleared to play for The Indianapolis Colts,” Irsay said. “Team statement coming on Friday.”
Diehards Line:According to a statement released Thursday evening by the firm that manages his surgeon's public relations, "Peyton Manning underwent a thorough medical re-evaluation as part of a postoperative visit with his surgeon Dr. Robert Watkins Sr. of the Marina Spine Center in Marina del Rey, Calif. As a result of this examination, Manning is medically cleared to play professional football. ...' Still, a source with direct knowledge of the situation told the Indianapolis Star that "nothing's new' regarding Manning's situation. The team still has serious concerns about his long-term health. Even with Dr. Watkins' latest evaluation, it's possible Manning won't pass a Colts- administered physical at the proper time. Remaining issues include whether the nerves in his right arm have sufficiently regenerated and if he has regained the necessary arm strength.