National Football League

Frye cleared to play, will start ahead of Russell

Published Dec. 23, 2009 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Oakland Raiders quarterback Charlie Frye has been cleared to play after sustaining a concussion against Denver last week and will start Sunday's game against his former team, the Cleveland Browns.

Frye was injured after being hit by Denver linebacker Andra Davis in the fourth quarter of the Raiders' 20-19 win over the Broncos. He was replaced by former top overall pick JaMarcus Russell, who directed a game-winning touchdown drive in the final minutes.

After undergoing a series of tests this week, Frye was cleared by team doctors and practiced without restrictions Wednesday. He showed no lingering symptoms from the concussion, encouraging news for the Raiders, who earlier in the day signed quarterback Jeff Otis to their practice squad.

"As of right now, Charlie Frye will be the starting quarterback,'' coach Tom Cable said Wednesday. "I know that when I came out here they said Charlie's passed everything and he's good to go, so that's what I can report to.''

Cable added that Bruce Gradkowski, who was starting ahead of Frye before tearing the medial collateral ligaments in both of his knees, might be able to return to practice later this week but is still doubtful to play against the Browns.