Predators sign speedster Riley
Published on March 3, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. (March 3, 2004) -- The Orlando Predators received a setback on Wednesday when it was learned that offensive/defensive lineman Justin Cleveland, the team's back-up center, would be lost to 4-6 weeks with a broken thumb.
Head trainer Kevin Mercuri said that Cleveland suffered a Bennett fracture at the base of his right thumb during Tuesday's practice. "It's something that if it would have happened to his left hand, he could have played with a soft cast on," Mercuri added. "But it was on his snapping hand and he needs to let it heal before he plays."
"Justin was playing the best football of his career," Head Coach Jay Gruden added. "Unfortunately it was a freak injury that sometimes happens in the game. Hopefully we'll be able to step it up and pick up the slack until Justin gets back."
Newly acquired Justin McKibben, who starred at defensive end for the University of Central Florida, will move from guard to center and back-up Fred Ray.
In other news, the Predators announced the acquisition of speedster Sean Riley. The five-year AFL veteran has 213 receptions for 3,020 yards and 46 touchdowns in his career. His best season came in 2000, when he caught 96 passes for 1,349 yards and 27 touchdowns for Milwaukee. He earned second team All-Arena that season.
Riley replaces George Williams on the Predators roster. Williams was waived on Tuesday after playing sparingly in the team's first two games. "Sean will add some speed to the wide receiver position, something we have been sorely missing with Travis McGriff out," Gruden said.
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