APIt looks like Chuck Pagano will meet his expectation of returning to work with the Colts on Monday.
The Associated Press reports that Pagano has been given clearance by his doctors to get back to his head coaching duties. Dr. Larry Cripe said Thursday that he has told Pagano that he has no restrictions in terms of resuming his work schedule and that it is totally up to him when he does that.
“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 was asked about the possibility that Pagano was pushing himself too hard and said that he would give Pagano the same advice he gives to any other patient.
“Look, if you get pooped out, adjust,” Cripe said.
The Colts play the Chiefs on Sunday and will clinch a playoff spot with a win, which means Pagano will return to a team in a very different place than the one he left in October. They were 1-2 at that point and many thought they would spend a second straight year as one of the league’s worst teams. They’ve gone 8-3 under Bruce Arians, however, and Pagano will likely be on the sideline in a playoff game in a couple of weeks as a result.
It’s been a remarkable story to follow and it will likely make for at least one more emotional moment in Week 17 when Pagano leads his team onto the field against the Texans.
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Teams playing with massive emotion tend to win. See Chiefs, Cowboys, and Raiders (after Al Davis died).
Texans REALLY need to win this weekend to avoid having to run into that buzzsaw.
Outstanding. Glad to see the Colts and their fans get their coach back.
Props to Coach Pagano! I’m sure your team and fans are glad to have you back and healthy. Take it easy. Don’t push yourself too hard. You have some supporters in Bengals country!
Great News! What an inspirational guy!
Good for Pagano but I can’t help but think that sticking with Arians for the remainder of the season is the right move. Aside from anything else Arians has earned this run.
If I was Pagano I would be focused on a return next season because I think it’s what’d best for his team heading into the playoffs.
Triumph.
Bruce Arians did a hell of a job with the hand he was dealt.
When one considers the not-so-good headlines of some NFL teams this season, it is good to know that sometimes we have a story like this. Why anyone would disagree with some of the positive comments posted about Coach Pagano and his journey is beyond me.
who thumbs downs chuckstrong? I hope it’s the CAPS LOCK receiving the thumbs down.
I’m glad he’s better. He seems like a great guy. But they ought to let Arians finish out the season.
Congrats Coach and the entire Pagano family! (from a Lions fan)
If he comes back and they lose out the fans will be thinking hard about Bruce Arians. May not be fair, but it’s the way things work.
@heeeeelzfan:
I guess some people really don’t like the Colts.
Can someone explain to me why so many of these comments are getting the thumbs down?
that’s great news, happy for both Chuck and Bruce. see, Chuck will stay head coach but next year teams will be in the hunt for head coaches so Bruce will be one of the top prospects for those jobs. win win for everyone and the colts
Good lord why are all the decent comments on this story filled with thumbs down? What the hell is wrong with you people?
how is anyone giving any comment here a thumbs down?
It’s going to be awkward if the team.does bad with him as head coach
Praise God for that! As a father who lost a child to cancer, I love seeing cancer getting its ass kicked.
Will be kind of hard not to root for the Colts if my team doesn’t make it.
Way to go chuck. Keep it up.
Great news! But he should be more of a bystander the remainder of this year than come in and try and take over. Unless the Colts tank against KC this weekend don’t try to fix what isn’t broken.
If I was the owner, he’d be on the sidelines, but not running the game. I’m not trying to be hard, but it’s week 16 and he’s just won the biggest game of his life. Takes more than a week to rehab physically.
Congrats,I wish you a very happy and healthy life. What a great story so far for him the Colts and there fans.
Signed An Atlanta Falcons Fan
Way to go Chuck. Stay healthy.
Much Love from Cleveland Ohio !
Poor Chuck, back in time to get slaughtered in the playoffs. Indy can only beat the cupcakes.
Hate the colts, but it’s hard not to root for Chuck. Really missing him in Baltimore this season.
God bless you, Chuck. My mom died 4 years ago next week of a rare form of lymphoma and I cheer for anyone who can poke a stick on The Beast’s eye. Don’t overextend yourself, find your limits, keep your focus and by all means, be well.
So happy to hear this. Good for Chuck and the Colts!
I can’t help but think though that Bruce Arians will be one of, if not THE hottest head coaching candidate in the offseason. What he accomplished in his situation is nothing short of amazing.
As an Eagles fan, I hear so many head coaching possibilities…but if we were to get Bruce Arians to coach our team next season, I’d be thrilled.
Congrats to Chuck for the comeback! Congrats also to Bruce for a job that has exceeded probably everyone’s expectations.
Oh great!! The Win Record is about to go down.
God bless him for fighting through his struggle. He’s meant to be a leader!