Report: Shero says Crosby not 'shut down'

Sidney Crosby has had occasional recurrences of concussion symptoms, but Pittsburgh general manager Ray Shero says his superstar center hasn't been forced to "shut down" his training.

"There are going to be some symptoms with this injury, but nothing where he's had to shut it down or anything," Shero told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on Sunday night, noting that he was in contact with Crosby during the weekend. "He's pushed himself, which is good."

Crosby played his last NHL game on Jan. 5, took a big hit from Tampa Bay's Victor Hedman and was diagnosed with a concussion the next day. He has not been cleared for contact by Dr. Michael Collins of UPMC, though Shero stressed to the Tribune-Review that clearance is not expected to be sought until at least a week before training camp opens Sept. 16.

"There's never been a situation where he's needed to be cleared to play," Shero said.

Crosby remains cleared to train regularly -- except for contact -- and he has engaged in workouts since mid-July at various rinks near his summer home in Halifax, N.S. Shero told the paper that Crosby will not be "pushed" to join the Penguins for on-ice practices at the start of camp -- or even when the regular season opens at Vancouver on Oct. 6.

"I'm only interested in making sure he's comfortable when he returns to play, end of story," Shero said. "I'm about the bigger picture with this thing."

Neither Crosby nor his agent, Pat Brisson, could be reached for comment.