Donte Stallworth injury: Wide receiver cleared for football activities

The burns suffered by Donte Stallworth in a scary hot-air balloon accident in March won't keep him off the field this season.

By Rodger Sherman May 17, 2013, 11:58am EDT

Donte Stallworth will be able to play in the 2013 NFL season, as the wide receiver is reportedly fully recovered after a freak hot-air balloon accident caused scary injuries. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported:

Donte' Stallworth got cleared for all football activities relating to his injuries from the hot air balloon incident. Should have market.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 17, 2013

After the incident, it was quickly reported that Stallworth's injuries -- primarily burns -- wouldn't derail his football career, as he was lucky not to suffer worse injuries after his balloon flew into power lines.

The 32-year-old is currently a free agent. He only played in one game in 2012, signing with the Patriots when Julian Edelman went down with injury after initially failing to make the roster out of training camp. He'd make an immediate impact, with his only reception going for a 63-yard touchdown, but an injury suffered in the game would end his season quickly.

Stallworth's career has never fully gotten back on track after his connection to a DUI manslaughter cost him the 2009 season: he has only three touchdowns in 20 games spread across three years. But the 6'0 Tennessee product still appears serviceable on deep routes, capable perhaps of recreating the success he had earlier in his career with the Saints, Eagles and Pats. It's good to know that if he doesn't make a roster, it's because of his talent, not an ill-fated hot-air balloon ride.