Raptors let T.J. Ford resume workouts

Last Updated: Thursday, January 10, 2008 | 11:16 PM ET

CBC Sports

Toronto Raptors point guard T.J. Ford was cleared Wednesday to resume workouts as he tries to recover from a neck injury.

No timetable was set for his return to the lineup.

T.J. Ford is tended to by a Hawks trainer after being hurt on Dec. 11.
(John Bazemore/Associated Press)

"The prognosis is looking good for a full recovery and a return to basketball," Raptors spokesman Jim LaBumbard said.

Ford, who was examined Tuesday by a spine specialist in Cleveland, has sat out 13 games since being hurt with 92 seconds left in a 100-88 victory at Atlanta last Dec. 11.

Ford was struck in the face by Al Horford as he sped to the basket on a partial breakaway, and smacked his head on the floor.

Horford was ejected for committing a flagrant foul, and Ford, who was a history of neck problems, spent the night in hospital for testing and observation.

Ford was diagnosed seven years ago with spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the openings the spinal cord runs through, and missed the entire 2004-05 NBA season following neck surgery.

Toronto is 6-7 without Ford, who will remain home in Houston, and work out with retired NBA player and head coach John Lucas. 

Ford, 24, is averaging 14.1 points, 6.8 assists, 1.9 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 25.9 minutes in 17 games this season, including 14 starts.

He has averaged 11.7 points, 7.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 30.7 minutes in 219 NBA games (210 starts) since being drafted eighth overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2003.

Ford was traded to Toronto for Charlie Villanueva and cash considerations on June 30, 2006.