With speculation swirling that T.R. Knight wants out of Grey's Anatomy, people have all but written off his beloved character, George O'Malley - this fan site included.

But Eric Dane insists it's not official, and this recent news / spoiler item we came across indicates that maybe - just maybe - George's departure is not a done deal.

This from TV Guide's Matt Mitovich, in response to a reader inquiry ...

Q: Is there any indication that Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes is going to adjust her stories because of all of the recent negative feedback?

A: I doubt that Rhimes will alter any master plans, especially when it comes to the Izzie-Denny romance which, though polarizing, seems destined to serve some greater purpose. Now, speaking of "negative feedback," I've got at least one inside source telling me that T.R. Knight's apparent disenchantment with Grey's Anatomy might not necessarily result in him exiting the series early. Wouldn't it be refreshing to see cooler heads prevail?

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.