Colts’ Pagano cleared for return
Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano can resume coaching whenever he’s ready.
On Thursday, Dr. Larry Cripe, told The Associated Press that Pagano had been cleared to return and that it was up to the coach and the Colts to determine when that will happen, and how much Pagano will do. Pagano’s physician is not imposing any restrictions, either.
Pagano is expected to return to the team complex as early as Monday.
“Medically, I see no reason he cannot come back when he’s ready to try and come back,” Cripe said. “Coach has done a great job with this, and I trust him.”
Cripe said he gave Pagano the good news the last time they met, though he declined to say when that happened.
Pagano has not been on the sideline since a Sept. 23 loss to Jacksonville, Indy’s only home defeat this season.
The Colts always pegged the Dec. 30 regular-season finale against Houston as the date they hoped to have Pagano back on the sideline – a goal that now appears likely to be met.
“I love that guy and I would love to see him in person on the sideline,” Cripe said when asked if he would attend the Dec. 30 game. “To me, the bottom line is that he’s done what he needed to do, and he’s done it with the clear goal that he wants to be coaching as soon as he can.”
Officially, the Colts (9-5) have not said when Pagano will return.
RGIII looks ready
Washington Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III had a full practice for the second straight day as the team prepares for this week’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
“I like what I see,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “If there is no setback, he should be ready to go.”
Griffin missed Sunday’s win over the Cleveland Browns with a sprained right knee.
Jets may dump QBs
Mark Sanchez is no longer the face of the New York Jets. He could soon be a former member of the team.
And Tim Tebow might even beat him out the door.
A person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Thursday that the Jets will consider all of their options regarding the two quarterbacks during the offseason. That means both Sanchez and Tebow are in limbo and trades cannot be ruled out.
The Jets could be hard-pressed to trade or cut Sanchez, who is due $8.25 million in guarantees next season after having his contract extended last offseason.
Tebow has been hampered the last month by two broken ribs, his numbers were far from special even before that. For the season, he has rushed for 102 yards on 32 carries and is 6 of 8 for 39 yards, and has no touchdowns while participating in just 72 offensive snaps.