QB Michna, WR Parker to Miss Saturday's Showdown with Milwaukee
June 16, 2010 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Chicago Rush News Release
The Chicago Rush will be without starting quarterback Russ Michna and leading receiver Samie Parker for this Saturday's home game with the Milwaukee Iron, the team announced today.
Both Michna and Parker will miss the game to attend a three-day mini-camp for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. Both players played for Las Vegas last fall and are planning to return to the Locomotives at the conclusion of the 2010 AFL season.
However, as part of their previous commitment to Las Vegas head coach Jim Fassel, Michna and Parker are required to attend this weekend's mini-camp.
"We've known this was coming and have been preparing for it for a few weeks," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "While the timing certainly isn't great - especially since this week's game with Milwaukee is for first place in the division - we appreciate Coach Fassel's willingness to work with the Rush organization and look forward to Michna and Parker's return next week."
Michna has started every game for the Rush this season, completing 203 of 296 passes for 2,838 yards and 52 touchdowns, while throwing just eight interceptions. He leads the league in completion percentage (68.6%) and ranks second in the AFL in passer rating (127.5) and fourth in passing yards.
Parker is the team's leading receiver, catching 69 passes for 1,040 yards and 14 touchdowns. He ranks sixth in the AFL in receiving yards.
Michna will be replaced in the starting lineup by backup quarterback J.J. Raterink, who will be making his first career start. Raterink saw his first action of the season in the fourth quarter of last week's game in Utah, completing two of five passes for 21 yards. He also scored a rushing touchdown in the game.
With Parker away, and wide receivers Nichiren Flowers and Kenny Higgins still on Injured Reserve, the Rush will play Milwaukee without its three top receivers.
Due to its lack of healthy bodies, the team re-signed former Rush receiver Travis LaTendresse late last week. LaTendresse (6-2, 215, Utah) who played for the Rush in 2008 and lives in Utah, met the team in Salt Lake City for its game last week against the Utah Blaze.
Without as much as one practice under his belt, LaTendresse went out and caught three passes in his first game in nearly two years - all of which went for touchdowns.
Kickoff for Saturday's game at Allstate Arena is set for 7 p.m. and good seats remain available. Fans wishing to purchase tickets should call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or visit the Ticketmaster Web site at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets - which range in price from $10 to $60 - also may be purchased in person at any Ticketmaster outlet or the Allstate Arena box office.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...
Arena Football League Stories from June 16, 2010
- San Jose SaberCats Returning to Arena Football League in 2011 - San Jose SaberCats
- Week 12 Game Notes - Utah Blaze
- Defensive Lineman E.J. Burt Returns to Orlando Predators - Orlando Predators
- Orlando Predators July 9th Game Vs. Alabama Vipers Becomes AFL Game of the Week - Orlando Predators
- Jacksonville Stays At Top Spot In Week 11 Coaches Poll - AFL
- QB Michna, WR Parker to Miss Saturday's Showdown with Milwaukee - Chicago Rush
- Chicago Rush Game Notes - Chicago Rush
- ArenaBowl Championship Winning Team Returns To Wachovia Center In April - Philadelphia Soul
- Philadelphia Soul Return To Arena Football League - Philadelphia Soul
- Philadelphia Soul Return To AFL - Tampa Bay Storm
- Sharks Fans Asked To Support Team By Wearing Red - Jacksonville Sharks
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.
