Predators make additional roster moves as "War on I-4" looms
Published on April 7, 2005 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. (April 7, 2005) -- Facing a game against arch-rival Tampa Bay on Saturday, Orlando Predators head coach Jay Gruden made additional personnel moves to shore up his roster.
On Thursday, Gruden activated lineman David Upchurch from the injured reserve list. Upchurch has played in two games this season, recording 2.5 tackles. The team also announced that it had signed free agent WR/DB Herman Bell to its practice squad.
Bell began his Arena Football League career with the Orlando Predators in 2003, but was traded to the Detroit Drive in the pre-season. In two years with the Fury, Bell played in 19 games, catching 72 balls for 724 yards and 11 touchdowns. He played WR/DB in 2003, making 22 tackles with an interception. He was an offensive specialist in 2004. Bell will not be eligible to play in games for the Predators unless he is activated from the practice squad to the active squad.
Orlando received additional bad news on Thursday when it was determined that fullback/linebacker Marlon Moye-Moore's leg injury was serious enough to put him on the team's injured reserve list. Moye-Moore will be not be eligible to return until the Georgia game on April 22.
Moye-Moore's injury, along with the ankle injury to Idris Price, leaves the Predators with no healthy fullbacks for the Tampa Bay game. Gruden plans on using newly acquired Kevin Jefferson and lineman Doug Miller at the fullback/linebacker spot if Price â who is listed as questionable for the game -- is unable to go.
The Predators, 7-3, can take a major step towards the playoffs with a win over the Storm. Tampa Bay was embarrassed two weeks ago in a 59-28 road loss to Los Angeles, a team Orlando defeated 55-54 in overtime last week. But Tampa Bay rallied for an impressive 48-38 win over division leading Georgia last week and Gruden is expecting a tough game.
"Tampa Bay is among the top three teams of the league in points scored and they are undefeated at home," Gruden said. "In addition, they are getting Tim Marcum back and at 5-4, I am sure they are viewing this as a must-win game." Marcum, the AFL's all-time winningest coach, served a two-game suspension for violations of the AFL salary cap in 2003-04. "Without question, we are going to get Tampa's best effort this week and we will need to match that effort to have any chance."
Orlando defeated the Storm at home, 61-46, back in week three of regular season. They will be going for just their fourth regular season sweep of the Storm in the series 15-year history. Counting playoff games, the Storm-Predators series is tied at 18-18 but Tampa Bay has won four of the last five games. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and the game will be seen live on Sun Sports (formerly Sunshine Network). The game will also be broadcast on WQTM 704 AM "The Team" beginning with a 7 p.m. pre-game show.
In other news, the Orlando Predators Foundation has announced a new partnership with Nicholson Homes. Under terms of the partnership, Nicholson homes will donate $300 to the Orlando Predators Foundation for each interception by an Orlando Predators player during the team's final three regular season home games and any playoff games hosted by the Predators.
"Our goal when establishing the Foundation was to get local businesses involved and we certain appreciate Tony Nicholson and Nicholson Homes becoming involved," Foundation Executive Director Sylvia Bova said. "This commitment will continue to help the Foundation fulfill its goal of making Central Florida a better place to live, work and play."
Chartered in 2004, the Foundation was formed to allow the Predators to better organize its community relations efforts and allow the team to make a bigger effort in the lives of Central Florida's less fortunate citizens.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 7, 2005
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- Quick hitters: week 11 - AFL I
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- Predators make additional roster moves as "War on I-4" looms - Orlando Predators
- Bon Jovi's Soul and Elway's Crush clash Sunday on NBC - AFL I
- Siani, Kurz and Bishop on "Under the Roof" tonight - OSC Original by OurSports Central press release
- Destroyers activate McCleary off IR - Columbus Destroyers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
