Bengals' Fisher cleared for full football activity following heart surgery

Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Jake Fisher is on track in his recovery from heart surgery after beginning minicamp at full-go.

The 25-year-old, a second-round pick in the 2015 draft, was limited during voluntary organized team activities, but he declared Wednesday he had been cleared for all football activity, according to Laurel Pfahler of ESPN.

Fisher underwent a cardiac ablation procedure on Nov. 18 to correct an irregular heartbeat, limiting his 2017 season to just eight games. He participated in 11-on-11 drills for the first time since the surgery Tuesday and returned to practice again Wednesday.

"I was able to get out there and put my best foot forward and just keep getting better and knock some rust off," Fisher said after practice. "I've been trying to get back, so it's been a process, but you've got to understand and trust your trainers, your coaches and what they decide for you. Ultimately, it's not necessarily up to me what I want to do. There's a plan and I've got to stick to it."

Fisher originally received medical clearance for workouts in late February, but he's remained cautious and continued to monitor his heart rate. He'll continue receiving checkups every few months.

The Bengals' leading candidate for the starting job at right tackle admits it will take a little time for him to get back to full speed.

"I was a little rusty, but I knew that's how it was going to be," Fisher said. "I hadn't played football since last November, so there's going to be rust. You've just got to take it (for) what it is, understand what you're doing wrong, and fix it and get out there the next day and do it again."