New York Giants running back David Wilson not yet medically cleared to play
David Wilson (right) has been able to work out with the Giants during non-contact OTAs as he awaited full medical clearance. (Julio Cortez/AP)
The belief among many was that New York Giants running back David Wilson wouldn't have a difficult time gaining medical clearance on Wednesday in one of the final steps in his recovery from neck surgery after undergoing an exam and MRI on Wednesday.
That hasn't proven to be the case. Wilson, who underwent a battery of tests, was unable to get cleared by team officials, according to Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo.
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If Wilson suffers any type of significant hit, it could cause further damage to his surgically repaired neck, but Wilson can still participate in the team's non-contact OTAs during his recovery. He injured his neck during an October game against the Eagles and was diagnosed a few days later with spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spine that ultimately required spinal fusion surgery in January.
“I never had any pain," Wilson said last week, according to The New York Daily News. "I’ve been walking on my own, talking on my own, doing everything normal, running, exercising like regular. I want to express to everybody that I have never had any pain at all -- zero percent. I’ve been healthy and doing well.”
Wilson has suggested he feels fine, but medical professionals are a bit more reluctant to give the green light.
Wilson will continue to rehab and will hope for clearance at some point before the start of training camp. If he isn't given the go-ahead then, his status for the 2014 season and beyond will come into question.