Preds Lose Second Lineman in Two Weeks
Published on May 15, 2003 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Orlando Predators News Release
Orlando, Fla. (May 15, 2003) -- The Orlando Predators lost their second lineman in as many weeks, as OL/DL Matt Sweeney underwent arthroscopy surgery this week. Team physicians repaired a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL) and also discovered a tear in his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Head Coach Fran Papasedero said there was a small chance that Sweeney could be available later in the playoffs. "The team doctors told us that they repaired the MCL and although there was a tear in the ACL, his knee is very stable. Odds are that he's done for the year, but there is a small chance he may be able to play later in the playoffs."
Sweeney's injury, sustained in last Friday's game with Carolina, was the second blow in as many weeks to the Predators line. Starting defensive end/tight end Doug Miller's season ended when he broke his foot during the Colorado game on May 4.
"Obviously those were two guys that played major roles for us during the season," Papasedero added. "But injuries are always a part of the game and good teams find a way to overcome them."
Predators Notes: Starting center Fred Ray (arthritic knee) will also miss Friday's season finale against Detroit...he will be replaced in the lineup by back-up Colin Greczek...backing up Greczek will be Justin Cleveland...former Denver Bronco and Florida State University alumni Jerry Johnson will fill Sweeney's spot in the rotation...with a possible second seed on the line with a Predators (11-4) win and a Tampa Bay loss (11-4), the Predators are taking a "must-win" attitude into Friday's game...Orlando, already assured of a top four finish and a first round bye, will return to action on the weekend of May 31-June 1 with by hosting a quarterfinal game at the TD Waterhouse Centre...the game, which will be played on either Saturday or Sunday (to be determined by the Arena Football League by Monday) will kickoff at 3 p.m. and will be featured on NBC...playoff tickets are on sale by calling 407-44-PREDS...tickets range from $5 to $40.
Arena Football League Stories from May 15, 2003
- Record-Setting Receiver Joins Talons - Tulsa Talons
- Preds Lose Second Lineman in Two Weeks - Orlando Predators
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