Patriots: Bruschi has medical clearance to practice

DENVER -- The Patriots issued a statement yesterday concerning linebacker Tedy Bruschi, who suffered a stroke Feb. 15, saying that he has received medical clearance to resume practicing.

The statement, which was not attributed to anyone, said, ''The New England Patriots have been advised that Tedy Bruschi has received unanimous medical clearance from outside specialists in the field of stroke neurology. He has also passed multiple physical examinations by team doctors and has been cleared to resume practicing as early as this week.

''The Patriots organization is satisfied that Tedy Bruschi has received the best medical attention possible and has been assured that he is medically cleared to resume his playing career. Tedy Bruschi has worked very hard throughout his rehabilitation to return to full health and has been assured by all who have examined him that he has.

''With the necessary unanimous medical clearances to return, Tedy Bruschi and his family will make the final decision as to whether he returns to the field and begins practicing once again with the team. The Kraft family and the entire Patriots organization want only what is best for Tedy Bruschi and his family and will continue to support his decision."

Bruschi told the Globe Friday that he plans to return to practice this week. He could be on the field as early as Wednesday. The Patriots have meetings scheduled at Gillette Stadium today, and are off tomorrow.

Bruschi's status on the physically unable to perform list means he is allowed to practice with the team at the conclusion of the sixth weekend of play, which ends after tonight's St. Louis-Indianapolis contest.

Dr. David Greer, a stroke neurology specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital said Bruschi is ''completely back to normal."

''I have had the opportunity to care for Tedy Bruschi since the day of his stroke eight months ago and have closely monitored his rehabilitation and remarkably rapid rate of recovery," Greer said. ''Physically, Tedy is completely back to normal, and is exceptionally healthy. I have no doubt that he will be able to perform physically at a very high level.

''Tedy's safety, on and off the field, has always been our No. 1 priority. At this time, I have advised him that, in my opinion, there are no medical reasons for him to delay his return to football. Tedy has asked me not to discuss these matters with the media further, and I will obviously honor that request."

Bruschi has attended team meetings and lifted weights on his own, but has not been able to participate in group drills. He has until the conclusion of the ninth regular-season weekend to begin practicing. The team then has a 21-day period during which it could restore Bruschi to the PUP list, or place him on the active roster.

The Patriots (3-3) have a bye this weekend, and host Buffalo Oct. 30.

Bruschi told the Globe that the bye week is the ''perfect time to see where we are."

Before the statement from Bruschi's doctor, a teammate said he didn't expect any trepidation among the players about Bruschi's return.

''It's a scary thing, but our job is to help Tedy get ready, not to be doctors," one Patriot said. ''If he is out there, I don't think anybody will take it easy on him out of fear of him dying on the practice field. At least I hope not."

Jerome Solomon can be reached at jsolomon@globe.com