Report: Colts QB cleared to play

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts just can’t escape the Peyton Manning questions.

With a $28 million decision looming next month, new General Manager Ryan Grigson acknowledged the Colts couldn’t afford to make a mistake based solely on sentimental reasons.

The next twist came a few hours later when ESPN reported Manning had been “cleared to play” by the doctor who performed Sept. 8 neck surgery on the quarterback. A team spokesman said the Colts’ own doctors had not yet cleared Manning, though ESPN cited an unidentified source in reporting that Dr. Hank Feuer, one of the team’s neurosurgeons, was one of those who checked Manning.

Manning has been throwing since at least early December and told reporters Tuesday he threw to several receivers that day.

Colts owner Jim Irsay and Manning are scheduled to meet again next week.

Luck wants to play: Andrew Luck is willing to learn from Manning. He just wants everyone to know he’s ready to play next season, too.

“I think every competitor wants to play, every down, every play,” Luck said when asked about starting as an NFL rookie. “So, of course, who wouldn’t want to start?”

Patriots: Rob Gronkowski is practicing again with the New England Patriots. The All-pro tight end recovering from a high sprain in his left ankle participated on a limited basis Thursday, his first practice for the Super Bowl since being injured Jan. 22 in the AFC championship victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

Tebow in Indy: Someday, Tim Tebow hopes to be playing in the Super Bowl rather than just visiting. The Denver Broncos quarterback made the media rounds at the Super Bowl. Asked whether he’d prefer to run or throw a pass if he had only one play to win a game, Tebow said he didn’t care.

“Probably the pass because I can get one more player involved in the game,” he said. “As long as we get a W, I don’t care how it happens.”