Wilson's failed physical surprise to coach

Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News

Published March 28, 2007 at midnight

Text size

More Denver Broncos

More stories »

PHOENIX - Al Wilson is healthy enough to play in Denver or somewhere else in 2007.

At least that's the opinion of Broncos coach Mike Shanahan.

The New York Giants were ready to make a trade for the linebacker last week but failed Wilson during his physical because of concerns about his neck.

But Shanahan said the Broncos' medical staff and consultants that include renowned spine and back surgeon Dr. Robert Watkins have cleared Wilson to participate in team activities and play in games.

"I will say any time you've got a guy like Dr. Watkins who approves a guy, approves his neck and his playing ability, for (Wilson) to be failed in a physical is interesting," Shanahan said Tuesday. "You've got one of the best neck specialists in the world, OKs him to play and he flunks a physical in New York. That's a little bit unusual."

Wilson, 29, has had some neck troubles in his career. In 2003, he described "an unbearable" ache, and he previously has endured "stingers" - a blow to a network of nerves that branch from the neck, running down the shoulders and into the hands and fingers.

He said he hasn't had much trouble since, but he was carted off the field last season after colliding with defensive tackle Gerard Warren against Seattle. He played in the next weeks.

Wilson's agent, Peter Schaffer, is trying to secure trading partners for the Broncos, though he and Shanahan have left open the possibility Wilson could return to the Broncos for the 2007 season.

However, with Wilson bearing some hefty salary-cap figures during the next four years, including more than $7 million in 2007, it's likely the Broncos will ask him to redo his deal if he is to stay.

"But I don't really want to talk about Al until I talk to him," Shanahan said.

Subscribe to the Rocky Mountain News