Ford bruised his spinal cord in a game on Feb. 24, 2004. He had cervical spinal surgery last May, but the injury has not healed enough to allow him to play this season.

The loss of Ford was a blow to the team this season.

Ford, the eighth selection in the 2004 draft, had played well at point guard before the injury. He averaged 7.l points and 6.5 assists in 55 games.

Ford said Wednesday's news is a big step toward getting back in action.

"I can't tell you how happy I am right now," he said. "I know that I still have a long road ahead of me, but the news I got today is a huge first step."

He was given the OK to start working out Saturday and may join his teammates for a shoot-around.

The team plays Orlando at the Bradley Center Saturday night.