Firebirds place Horacek on injured reserve
March 19, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS â The Indiana Firebirds placed starting offensive specialist Mike Horacek on the injured reserve list today. Horacek, who strained a ligament behind his knee in last week's 64-41 win over Austin, will miss the next two games, including Saturday night's match-up against Georgia at Conseco Fieldhouse. Horacek currently ranks 7th in the AFL in receiving yards (513) and is tied for 11th in receptions (36).
Head Coach Mike Wilpolt has not yet determined who will start at OS in place of Horacek. WR/LB Andy McCullough was acquired in a trade with Georgia last week and will be activated for the game Saturday night. WR/LB Brett Bech filled in for Horacek at the end of last week's game in Austin and ranks second on the Firebirds with 25 catches.
"With Mike out this week, it really helps having Andy here now", Wilpolt commented. "Along with our guys who have been here, we think we can plug somebody in and help fill the void that we have without our number one option. It won't be easy without him, but we feel good about who we are going into the game with".
In other roster moves this week the Firebirds waived lineman Van Tuinei and signed wide receiver/linebacker Ryan Bowers to the practice squad, while activating fullback/linebacker Jarrod Penright and lineman Anthony Herron from the injured reserve list. Tuinei, in his second season with the Firebirds, saw action in one game this season (week five at Orlando) but failed to record any statistics. Bowers was originally signed by Indiana on March 4th, placed on recallable waivers on March 11th, and has now been signed to the practice squad.
Penright was active for the Firebirds' week two contest in New Orleans and recorded one unassisted tackle before being placed on IR with a strained rib muscle. Herron, a rookie from University of Iowa, becomes active for the first time this season.
The Firebirds host the Force Saturday night at Conseco Fieldhouse. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM (EST) and the first 10,000 fans through the gates will receive a 2004 Firebirds' team poster. Firebirds' single game and group tickets for the 2004 season are on sale now and can be purchased by calling a Firebirds' ticket representative at 317.472.8080. Firebirds merchandise is also available at Home Court Gift Shop. For merchandise information, please call 317.917.2755.
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