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Peyton Manning took another step closer to returning to the field in 2012, according to reports late Thursday night. According to ESPN's NFL reporter Chris Mortensen, who cited sources, Manning has been medically cleared to play in 2012.

The source told Mortensen that Manning recently saw Dr. Robert Watkins, who was the surgeon on Manning's neck for his most recent surgery.

After the examination it was concluded that enough healing had occured which "allowed the quarterback to play this Sunday if the nerves in his arm had regenerated to a satisfactory performance level."

Manning was also instructed, according to the ESPN source, to continue his rehab to further increase his chances at a successful return to the NFL this year.

This latest report adds to the latest in the saga of reports to come out during Super Bowl week about the quarterback and his future. During this week both Manning and Irsay say they will meet following Super Bowl XLVI to discuss what the quarterbacks future with the Colts.

In the week previous, their was a brief exchange of words between the quarterback and owner. Manning commented to the Indianapolis Star of the the difficulty of staying at the Colts complex due to the amount turnover in the coaching staff. Irsay fired back after the hiring of Chuck Pagano, staying that Manning was acting like a "politician" with his comments.

On Friday of last week, Irsay and Manning released a joint statement saying there were no problems between them.