After having to turn to third- and fourth-string options at quarterback at the end of the season due to injuries, Baylor football got some much-needed news on Monday: the first-string option is ready for workouts.
Baylor quarterback Seth Russell, who was sidelined for the season with neck surgery in October, posted via Instagram that he has been medically cleared to return:
Baylor begins spring practice earlier than most schools this year -- Feb. 25. Baylor's training staff told the Dallas Morning News that Russell has been cleared "to progress through weight workouts and to begin throwing and running," but noted that he has not been cleared for contact. Russell broke a bone in his neck against Iowa State on Oct. 24 in Baylor's Homecoming game, and didn't play again. The Bears were 7-0 in Russell's starts, but without him, the Big 12 contenders slipped with three losses over their final five regular-season games to fall out of contention for the College Football Playoff.
Despite the loss of significant talent elsewhere on the team, Russell's return should have Baylor regarded among preseason contenders for the Big 12 title in 2016.
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