Cory Fleming returns from injured reserve list

Published on March 11, 2005 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release


ORLANDO, Fla. (March 11, 2005) -- Cory Fleming, last year's "US Army Ironman of the Year" and a favorite target of Orlando Predators quarterback Joe Hamilton, will be back in the starting line-up when the Predators take on the red-hot New Orleans VooDoo on Sunday afternoon in the "Big Easy."

In addition to activating Fleming, the Predators placed OL/DL Cecil Caldwell on the injured reserve list and activated rookie OL/DL David Upchurch from the injured reserve list. Upchurch is expected to take Caldwell's spot on the 20-man active roster against New Orleans. It will be the first AFL action for the former Pittsburgh Steelers lineman who earned All Big East honors at West Virginia University as a senior in 2002.

Fleming, who has caught 23 passes for 233 yards and a team-leading seven touchdowns, has spent the last two games on the team's injured reserved list – recovering from a hamstring injury.

Fleming's return means that Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden will have to juggle his line-up for a fourth straight week. Several moves are anticipated, including making tough decisions at fullback/linebacker and on the line.

"It was tough sitting out the last two weeks, especially watching the offense struggle last week," Fleming said. "I'm looking forward to coming back this week and trying to help our team get a win against an excellent New Orleans team."

WR/DB Michael Brown is also expected to return to the line-up this week, with Fleming also scheduled to play at least two players who played last week in the loss to San Jose will be placed on the inactive list this week.

Last week, Gruden dressed three fullback/linebackers and one of those three will probably sit this week. "All three of those guys are excellent players and could be starting for a lot of teams," Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "It's nice to have depth, but it is difficult when you have to decide who will play and who will sit."

One player not expected to sit is rookie WR/DB Jerrian James. The former af2 star exploded for 248 all-purpose yards last week, including averaging more than 23 yards on seven kickoff returns (7-163). James also scored a pair of touchdowns on grabs of 18 and 20 yards. "Jerrian brings some energy to our line-up," Gruden added.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 11, 2005


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