OWINGS MILLS -- Following a lost rookie season due to a fractured skull suffered days before training camp last July, Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Sergio Kindle reiterated that he's optimistic that he'll be able to play next season.

Kindle told the San Antonio Express-News that he's essentially cleared to play with the caveat that it hasn't been determined how he'll respond to contact. 

"I got cleared to play again in March," Kindle said. "So I have to get back into it and see how it goes from there. Of course, I got cleared, but until I actually do contact, that's what's going to determine (my progress)."

Kindle has visited several neurological specialists to examine how his brain functions since the injury.

During his trial for driving while under the influence, which was resolved through a guilty plea and no jail time, the prosecutor introduced testimony from a police officer that Kindle brought up issues with his equilibrium during his December arrest.

"I had a skull fracture and some brain bruising," Kindle said. "Basically, I messed up my equilibrium. I can hardly hear out of (my left) ear any more. The doctor said it was unlikely it will come back. But it's been a while, so I've gotten used to it. I'm (100 percent) now. I've been (lifting weights) since I got to Baltimore.

"Now I'm actually training, football training, without the contact. Now I just have to wait and see whatever the lockout does so I can give it a shot."

Kindle was signed to a one-year, prorated $320,000 contract that included no signing bonus.

He was retained with an exclusive-rights tender for next season.

During the trial, his lawyer, Warren Alperstein, said that the former University of Texas star has experienced financial hardships due to the NFL work stoppage and expenses related to his physical rehabilitation.

NFL players are responsible for providing their own insurance during the lockout.