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Posted at 1:06 p.m., Wednesday, October 17, 2007

NFL: QB Green unsure whether he'll be allowed to play

By Steven Wine
Associated Press

DAVIE, Fla. — Miami Dolphins quarterback Trent Green said the decision whether he should retire may be made for him by doctors who have yet to clear him to play following his second severe concussion in 13 months.

"I would like to play again," Green said today. "It's what I love doing. It remains to be seen whether they will clear me."

Since being knocked unconscious Oct. 7 at Houston, all of Green's test results have been normal, including the latest round yesterday, he said. But concerns about possible long-term effects left the two specialists he consulted unwilling to give him an OK to practice or play.

Green threw to receivers on the side during today's workout. He said he feels fine and has no dizziness or other symptoms associated with concussions.

Doctors haven't advised the 37-year-old Green to retire, but they haven't provided a timetable for a possible return, and no further scans are planned, he said.

"It's just finding someone to clear me, and I don't know how eager everyone is to do that because of the track record," he said. "If a time comes when they're not willing to clear me, then the decision will be made for me."

Even if Green returns, he's not assured of the starting job. The Dolphins are 0-6, and with a high draft pick looming next April, they may soon give rookie John Beck a chance to show whether he's their quarterback of the future.

Cleo Lemon will make his third NFL start Sunday versus unbeaten New England. Coach Cam Cameron has advised against a hasty return by Green.

"He'd play if we let him, no doubt," Cameron said. "That's what has made Trent the player he has been. He almost has a Navy Seal mentality. ...

"Time just has to go by. This is not an ankle injury. This is not a knee injury. This is different."

Green considered retirement when a concussion in September 2006 sidelined him for eight games with the Kansas City Chiefs. The effects of the latest injury were less serious, he said, although it left him unconscious for 30 to 45 seconds.

"Last year was awful to deal with," Green said. "I was basically on bed rest for a couple of weeks. Here, I wanted to get on the field and practice last week.

"That's what makes it difficult. But because of the history, and because with both hits I got knocked out, there's a fear of the unknown. There's still a lot that's unknown about the brain."

Green, who is married with three children, said he consulted three or four specialists last year and will likely rely on their expertise again. He said his family will support whatever decision is made regarding his future.

"They have great confidence that I'm seeking the right counsel," he said.