'Birds Activate Two, Place Johnson on IR
March 7, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS -The Indiana Firebirds of the Arena Football League have activated WR/LB Drew O'Connor and OL/DL Van Tuinei from injured reserve making them both available for Monday's meeting with the Orlando Predators. To make room on the 24-man active roster, the 'Birds have placed OL/DL Aaron Johnson on the team's injured reserve list, forcing him to sit out for a League-mandated two weeks.
O'Connor (6-5, 215) is in his second season with the Firebirds after spending the majority of his rookie season on injured reserve. He saw action in three regular season games last year where he caught one pass for four yards before catching eight balls for 61 yards in the Firebirds' loss to the Dallas Desperados during the first round of the 2002 postseason. O'Connor will fill in for Brett Bech, who has been out with a shoulder injury for the past two weeks.
Tuinei (6-4, 280) is in his first season in the Arena Football League after spending four seasons in the NFL. He began his NFL career with the San Diego Chargers during the 1997 season. Tuinei then spent the 1998 season with the Indianapolis Colts, where he recorded 11 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble in ten games. He also spent two seasons with the Chicago Bears where he appeared in 30 games and made ten starts. His best year as a pro came in 1999 when he totaled 38 tackles (30 solo), two sacks, three tackles for a loss, and one forced fumble as a member of the Bears. His four-year NFL totals include 58 tackles (48 solo), four tackles for a loss, five sacks, and three forced fumbles.
Johnson was active for the first four weeks of the season before sitting out last week's game with the Colorado Crush. He has been hindered by a lower back strain, leading to the decision to place him on injured reserve.
The Firebirds are back in action on Monday night when they travel to Orlando to face the Predators, who are the lone unbeaten team in the Arena Football League entering this week's play. The game can be heard on the Indiana Firebirds' Radio Network, which includes ESPN Radio 950 AM (Indianapolis), WPZZ 95.9 FM (Franklin, IN), ESPN Radio 1130 AM (Brazil) and ESPN Radio 1300 AM (Terre Haute). Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm. The 'Birds return home next Sunday, March 16th to face the Los Angeles Avengers in the first of a two-game home stand. Tickets to that game can be purchased at the Conseco Fieldhouse Box Office, all Ticketmaster Outlets, Ticketmaster charge-by-phone at 317-239-5151 and firebirds.com.
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