Peyton ManningINDIANAPOLIS -
The doctor who operated on Peyton Manning's neck issued a statement to the media late Thursday night confirming the Colts quarterback has been medically cleared to play.
Early Friday morning, Colts owner Jim Irsay stated on Twitter: "Peyton has not passed our physical nor has he been cleared to play for The Indianapolis Colts. Team statement coming on Friday."
A spokesman for Dr. Robert Watkins sent a one-paragraph email to reporters after ESPN first reported that Colts' star had been cleared to play.
The Colts contend Thursday's announcement is nothing new because Manning was cleared to practice in December, a move that would have also allowed him to start playing again. And the doctor's note backs up Manning's statement to Eyewitness News earlier this week that his recovery from September neck surgery is on schedule.
ESPN reported earlier Thursday Manning had been cleared by doctors to resume his NFL career.
Irsay's tweeted message, at minimum, outlines at least two more steps Manning's rehabilitation must take before the quarterback can actually take the field and compete.
Earlier this week, Manning told Eyewitness Sports that he had no plans to retire and that his rehab was going well.
Thursday's reports confirm what Eyewitness Sports reported in December 2011 about Peyton's condition.
See the report here.
Manning has been throwing for at least two months and told reporters earlier this week that he was throwing with teammates Tuesday.
