Rampage lose Smith for final two games

Published on May 18, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


Last week, with 9:42 left in the first half, Rampage offensive specialist Steve Smith fell to the ground, untouched, after grabbing a short pass from Anthony Buich. He would miss the rest of the game with an ankle injury. On Monday, he was placed on injured reserve, effectively ending his 2004 season.

Through Week 15, Smith was leading the AFL in kickoff returns (63), kickoff return yards (1,514), kickoff returns for touchdowns (five), combined returns (70) and combined return yards (1,676). Those numbers also rank as a first in team single-season history; Smith was second in the AFL in all-purpose yards (2,333). With Smith gone, Carlos Johnson will become the Rampage's offensive specialist.

Also placed on injured reserve Monday was WR/LB Shawn Foreman, who injured his knee in the game. He will be replaced in the lineup by Thomas Bailey. Both Bailey and Johnson have been inactive the past two weeks.

Other Rampage roster moves on Monday included activating Jermaine Benoit from injured reserve and waiving emergency kicker Dave Hendrix. Hendrix is expected to sign back to the practice squad later this week if he clears waivers. Additionally, Grand Rapids signed former Western Michigan QB Jeff Welsh to the active roster to replace Michael Bishop, who left the squad to return to the CFL. Welsh had been on the Rampage's practice squad.

The Rampage travel to Charlotte, North Carolina this week to take on the Carolina Cobras (5-9) Saturday night. WBBL 1340AM radio coverage of the game with Joe Parson will be delayed until the end of the WhiteCaps baseball game as will next week's season finale against Detroit, at Van Andel Arena.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 18, 2004


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