According to a string of tweets by Craig Smoak of 1660ESPN in Waco, a family source close to Baylor quarterback Seth Russell says that Russell has not been advised to retire from football after suffering a break in his neck during a game against Iowa State earlier this season.

On Tuesday, Smoak posted four consecutive times on Twitter stating the following:

"I received a question earlier today about the recovery and playing future of #Baylor QB Seth Russell. According to a family source... (1/4) No doctor involved in Seth Russell's surgery + recovery has told him he can't/shouldn't come back or suggested he retire from football.(2/4) It's early but he's ahead of schedule. Christmas Day will mark 8 weeks since surgery and his neck brace should come off soon after. (3/4) Nothing from his current injury or rehabilitation will keep him from returning to football. (4/4) @1660ESPN #Baylor"

The injury required Russell to have surgery and ultimately force him to miss the remainder of Baylor's season.

Early speculation was that Russell would need at least six months of rehabilitation before being fully recovered from the injury in October. If Russell stays ahead of schedule, there is a possibility he could return to the practice field for Baylor this spring.

Before his injury, Russell had thrown for 2,104 yards and 29 touchdowns on 59.5-percent completion percentage while also rushing for 409 yards and six scores on 49 carries.