PHILADELPHIA - Tuesday night's statement by Dr. Mark Myerson that he would not clear Terrell Owens to play in the Super Bowl won't change the star receiver's plans to try to run on his surgically repaired ankle Wednesday, a source close to the situation said Tuesday night.

And it doesn't mean the Eagles won't allow Owens to take part in the championship game in Jacksonville, if the receiver decides he wants to take that risk, the source said.

Myerson's statement, issued after a checkup Tuesday, seemed crafted to protect the doctor if Owens were to decide to play, which seems likely, given Owens' repeated assertions to that effect.

The statement, released by Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, where Myerson directs the Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction, read:

"Based on examinations to date of Owens' leg and ankle, Dr. Myerson is extremely pleased with Owens' recuperation and the progress expected from such a superbly conditioned and motivated athlete.

"Dr. Myerson has maintained that surgery of this nature normally requires a recovery period of 8 to 10 weeks. Since the requisite healing time has not yet passed, and, based upon the clinical examination of Owens on Tuesday, Dr. Myerson informed Owens he cannot medically release him to play in the upcoming Super Bowl.

"Dr. Myerson also noted that further acceleration of the rehabilitation process poses the same risk for injury. Any activity that may impede the patient's progress or cause further damage, no matter how strong the appeal, is not recommended."

From the outset, Myerson voiced skepticism at the 7-week timetable Eagles athletic trainer Rick Burkholder laid out for Owens' possible Super Bowl participation, following the Dec. 19 injury, which required two stabilizing screws and a metal plate to be inserted into Owens' ankle.

Tuesday's statement is unlikely to change the team's view.

Coach Andy Reid couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday night. He was asked a series of questions Monday about whether Owens needed medical clearance and who would decide whether T.O. could play. Reid's answers did not stress Myerson's recommendation as the final word.

"Yeah, he'll be in touch with the doctor, and we'll see what happens there," Reid said, asked whether Owens needed clearance to play. "Then it comes down to can he do it. He has a couple different things in there. He has the pain from the broken part of the leg; he really doesn't have much with the ankle. He has to run on it. We have to see how that holds up when he runs."

Asked whether Reid, Owens, Myerson or Burkholder would make the decision, Reid said: "It's probably a little bit of each. Inevitably, he has to be able to physically play."

Reid was asked whether Owens' saying he could play would be enough.

"I have to listen to the doctor and Rick," Reid said.

Owens has been walking without crutches for a couple of weeks, and lately has been running in a pool. He reiterated his intentions Monday at the 76ers-Heat game at the Wachovia Center.

"Spiritually, I've been healed, and I believe that I'll be out there on that field Sunday, regardless of what anybody says," Owens said then.

Of course, disregarding Myerson's recommendation could raise issues if Owens encountered complications: Would Owens' contract still be insured, if he and the Eagles decided he could play when their chosen specialist said he shouldn't? At the very least, it seems likely Owens would have to sign some sort of release, which might not be in his best financial interest.

It also seems possible that after trying to run and cut on the ankle, Owens will conclude that Myerson is right and take himself out of the picture. But that doesn't seem likely, given his personality.

The Eagles will want to keep the New England Patriots speculating about whether Owens might be playing and how effective he might be, so the Birds almost certainly will not rule Owens out before game day.