Ohio State safety Tyler Moeller has been cleared to play the coming season.
A source close to Moeller told ESPN.com that Moeller's neurosurgeon and Ohio State's team doctors have given him the green light to return to the field this fall. An Ohio State official also confirmed Moeller will be back.
Moeller missed the entire 2009 season while recovering from a brain injury he sustained after being assaulted in a Florida bar in July. Moeller hit his head after being punched and underwent surgery in August to relieve bleeding on his brain.
Moeller's return was first reported by BuckeyeSports.com.
A Florida man, Ralph Gray Decker, pleaded guilty earlier this month to felony battery and could face up to five years in prison.
Moeller, a reserve linebacker from 2006-08, participated in practice this spring but was held out of contact. He recorded 18 tackles in 2008 and was on track to compete for a starting job at linebacker or safety before the assault last summer.
Moeller will play safety this fall, a source said. He's listed as a senior but could earn another year of eligibility because of his situation.
Adam Rittenberg covers Big Ten football for ESPN.com. He can be reached at espnritt@gmail.com.