Peyton Manning's career has been in jeopardy for the past year, as no one knew whether he'd be able to play ever again. That has to frustrate teams with quarterback issues (like the Arizona Cardinals) who really want to take a chance on the quarterback.
However, there seem to be some positive signs that he might be able to pick up a football and play in the NFL next year. It's nothing concrete, but it does look like a positive step in the right direction.
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.
Don't believe that Manning is all the way back just yet though.
Mort's report on Manning notes that while he's cleared, nerves in arm haven't necessarily regenerated enough.
— gregg rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) February 2, 2012
Essentially: It may be safe for Manning to play, but his arm still isn't right. Yet.
— gregg rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) February 2, 2012
Early in the day, Fitz appeared on ESPN radio with "Mike and Mike," and was asked about the speculation of Manning and Arizona. "Everybody, if you play receiver, would love to play with a quarterback like Peyton Manning," Fitz said. "Anyone in your right mind would want to play with him."
There's no doubt the Cardinals would land a huge coup if they got a healthy Manning to throw Fitz. Could you imagine a more dynamic one-two combination? Here's hoping Peyton gets healthy in a hurry.
To discuss the possibility of Manning and the Cardinals, head on over to Revenge of the Birds.