Chargers' Mike Pouncey cleared to play after neck surgery

Los Angeles Chargers rookie quarterback Justin Herbert may have a veteran snapping him footballs during games this fall. 

While speaking with reporters via a Wednesday Zoom call, Chargers center Mike Pouncey announced that doctors have cleared him for the 2020 NFL season after he underwent neck surgery last fall to repair an injury. 

"It's still a process coming back from neck surgery, so I'm just in the rehab stages," the 30-year-old told media members, per ESPN's Lindsey Thiry. "But yes, if you was to ask the doctor that did my surgery, I've been cleared to play." 

Last October, there were concerns that Pouncey's neck injury could be career-threatening, but Chargers general manager Tom Telesco remained optimistic as of April that the nine-year NFL veteran could be ready to return by the start of the upcoming campaign. 

Ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft, QB Philip Rivers signed with the Indianapolis Colts after spending 16 seasons with the Chargers. The Chargers spent the sixth overall draft pick on Oregon's Herbert last month, but it's possible Pouncey, who made four Pro Bowl squad appearances from 2013 through 2018, will have veteran journeyman Tyrod Taylor as his starting QB in September. 

Taylor has been with the organization since March 2019, but his last regular-season start occurred in September 2018 with the Cleveland Browns before he was replaced during a "Thursday Night Football" game by Baker Mayfield.