Sure.
But surely we can agree, cleared to play usually isn't MONTHS after cleared to practice. Usually at that point, you're getting your conditioning back and making sure you don't reaggravate the injury.
My bigger picture question: Was he able to return to play sooner than they CHOSE to do so? I can't find anywhere that anyone said what the injury was. I can't find anywhere where anyone said what surgery was done.
He played through the injury at BYU, whatever it was. Which, would usually indicate it's not a ligament tear or meniscus tear, or something "season ending."
It's entirely possible he had a minor procedure and the doctors cleared him to return well before he did. If he wasn't denied a waiver (that everyone else seems to always get), I would tell you this is a far fetched conspiracy. But given the situation (and the vagueness around his injury), I think it makes sense.
If his doctor's didn't clear him to play until after the season or near the very end of the season--he should play.
If his doctors cleared him for December or January, man, I don't think he should get to sit out, bank NIL, and get ready for next year.