Indianapolis, IN (Sports Network) - Indianapolis head coach Chuck Pagano has
been medically cleared by his doctor to return to his coaching duties.
According to the Indianapolis Star, Pagano's oncologist, Dr. Larry Cripe, said
that Pagano is recovered from a medical perspective and has no restrictions,
but it is the coach's decision of when he will return to his duties.
It was reported that there is a possibility that Pagano will return to work on
Monday to prepare for the Colts' regular-season finale at home against Houston
on December 30.
Back in early November, Dr. Cripe announced that Pagano's acute promyelocytic
leukemia was in remission, but the 52-year-old first-year coach still had to
undergo two rounds of chemotherapy. He will still be on a maintenance program
for around two more years until he is declared cured.
Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia in late September and took an indefinite
leave of absence from the Colts during the team's Week 4 bye. Offensive
coordinator Bruce Arians has been serving as head coach in the interim.
He stayed in contract with the team throughout his treatment and occasionally
talked to the team before and after several home games.
The Colts have gone 8-3 with Arians and currently hold a wild card spot in the
AFC with a mark of 9-5. The team plays in Kansas City on Sunday.
The Sports Network