Seahawks

INDIANAPOLIS — Peyton Manning has received the OK from his surgeon to start taking hits again.

A spokesman for Dr. Robert Watkins said in a one-paragraph email sent late Thursday night that the Colts star was cleared to play.

ESPN, citing unidentified sources, first reported Manning had been cleared.

The Colts contend that is nothing new because Manning was cleared to practice in December, a move that would have also allowed the quarterback to start playing again. But it backs up Manning's contention from earlier this week that his recovery from September neck surgery is on schedule.

"Peyton Manning underwent a thorough medical re-evaluation as part of a postoperative visit with his surgeon," Watkins' statement read. "As a result of this examination, Manning is medically cleared to play professional football."

The four-time league MVP missed the entire 2011 season after having his third neck surgery in 19 months, a fusion of two vertebrae. There have been concerns that the injury might end Manning's 14-year NFL career.

However, Manning has sounded increasingly confident about his recovery and told reporters earlier this week that he was not planning to retire.

Even if Manning can take the hits, there is no guarantee he will remain in Indy. The Colts owe Manning a $28 million roster bonus on March 8. If they don't pay it, they could risk losing him in free agency.

The Colts have the No. 1 pick in the draft, and the player projected to be selected, Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, arrived in Indianapolis to undergo a battery of physical tests.

Luck said he could coexist as Manning's teammate even though his preference would be to play immediately.

"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?"

Gronkowski returns to Patriots practice

Rob Gronkowski practiced with the New England Patriots for the Super Bowl for the first time. Now coach Bill Belichick is waiting to see how the All-Pro tight end's injured ankle responds.

Gronkowski participated on a limited basis for the first time since being injured Jan. 22 in the AFC title game.

For the New York Giants, running back Ahmad Bradshaw practiced for a second straight day.

Notes

• The Green Bay Packers promoted quarterbacks coach Tom Clements to replace offensive coordinator Joe Philbin.

• NFL owners approved a $200 million loan to help the San Francisco 49ers build a stadium south of Santa Clara.

• Commissioner Roger Goodell said if the NFL puts a team in Los Angeles, it is probable the league would expand to 34 franchises.