March 27, 2001
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Birmingham Bolts got a dose of
bad news from the medical report Tuesday when team medical
officials confirmed that after further testing, quarterback
Jay Barker would be held out of Saturdays game against the
Orlando Rage.
Barker sustained a concussion and a cervical strain after
taking a hit from Chicago defensive back Ray Austin in the
second quarter. Preliminary reports were favorable after the
game and Monday, but upon further examination Tuesday Bolts
medical personnel decided against allowing Barker to play
and will re-evaluate him for next week.
Coach Gerry DiNardo said Graham Leigh will start against Orlando
(7-1) and Mark Washington will move into the second quarterback
spot. DiNardo said Barker will be listed on the practice squad
this week and will hopefully return to the starters role
for the regular-season finale against New York/New Jersey
April 8.
Bolts athletic trainer Dave Gable also said that safety David
Knott and defensive tackle Johnny Mitchell have been lost
for the season due to injuries sustained in last weeks game
at Chicago. Knott suffered a left tibia plateau fracture and
Mitchell a medial collateral ligament tear and a partial anterior
cruciate ligament tear in his left knee.
Defensive end Quinton Reese suffered a right hamstring pull
on the first play of the game at Chicago and is considered
doubtful.
The injuries to Knott and Mitchell, coupled with linebacker
Joe Cummings refusal to report after being claimed late last
week, leaves the Bolts three players under the 38-man limit
heading into Tuesdays practice.
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