Doctor Clears Forlano to Play for Notre Dame

Senior tackle Peter Forlano of Notre Dame High, who underwent emergency brain surgery seven weeks ago, is practicing with the team and has received a doctor’s clearance to play in Friday night’s Southern Section Division III semifinal game against Serra.

Forlano was hospitalized Oct. 7 after experiencing numbness of the right arm and right leg, as well as blurred vision. Doctors removed fluid from Forlano’s brain and diagnosed a severe bacterial sinus infection that spread to the brain.

Forlano was released 20 days later after dropping 30 pounds from his 6-foot-1, 215-pound frame.

He was expected to miss the remainder of the season. However, Forlano, who weighs 190 pounds, last week underwent a magnetic resonance imaging test and was given clearance to practice.

“The surgeon said I was able to do anything, basically,” Forlano said. “I feel great, actually. I don’t feel any ill effects. I’m a little fatigued, but it feels good getting back into the swing of things.”

Forlano was unable to speak after the surgery and has been working with a speech therapist. He also has regained full movement of his arm and leg.

Forlano won’t start but should play, Coach Kevin Rooney said.

“He hasn’t practiced for a while and it’s going to take him a while to get back into the groove,” Rooney said. “He’s a little rusty. But there’s a good chance he’ll play.”