Streak comes to end, Preds' McEntyre on IR
April 21, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. (April 21, 2005) -- The streak is officially over. Kenny "The Glove" McEntyre's streak of 117 consecutive starts for the Orlando Predators will come to an end tomorrow as the team placed the former three-time ADT Defensive Player of the Year on the injured reserve list today. He will not be eligible to return until the May 7 game against the Austin Wranglers.
McEntyre suffered a fractured rib in a 72-60 win over the New York Dragons last week. "It really wasn't a tough decision once we learned the rib was actually fractured," Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "It's an extremely painful injury and frankly time is the only cure. Kenny asked us to hold off putting him on IR, but I think he realized this is for the best."
The announcement is just the latest in a long-line of injuries the Predators have suffered in the last three weeks. Yesterday, the Predators placed starting quarterback Joe Hamilton (separated shoulder) and WR/LB Justin Skaggs (neck spasms) on injured reserve. FB/LB Kevin Jefferson was lost with a torn ACL last week; while FB/LB Marlon Moye-Moore (quad), OL/DL Buck Gurley (knee) and WR/DB Michael Brown (fracture orbital) remain on the injured reserve list from injuries sustained in the Los Angeles game on April 3. In addition DS Reggie Doster missed last week's game with a groin injury.
McEntyre, the team captain, has started every game for the Predators since joining the team on July 25, 1998. He was named "Defensive Player of the Year" three times and is a five-time first-team All-Arena selection. He is currently leading the team in tackles (48.5), interceptions (4) and pass defenses (13).
The Predators most likely will replace McEntyre in the starting line-up with newly acquired rookie Korey Banks. The Predators originally signed Banks in 2003, but the former Mississippi State star has spent the last two seasons in training camps with the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins.
Orlando, 8-4, takes on the Georgia Force (9-3) on Friday night at the TD Waterhouse Centre. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available at 407-44-PREDS.
NOTES: Fans may still purchase the Jay Gruden 4-Pack until 3 p.m. Friday by calling the Orlando Predators Office at 407-44-PREDS. For $44, fans get four game tickets and four drinks (20 oz. Soda or 12 oz. Draft beer), an $80 value.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 21, 2005
- Garff Enterprises Bringing Professional Football Team to Salt Lake City - AFL I
- Crush place Hunter on IR, sign Pickens to active roster - Colorado Crush
- VooDoo radio broadcasts now available on the Internet - New Orleans VooDoo
- AFL must see matchups: week 13 - AFL I
- Week 14 Orlando-Philadelphia game rescheduled - AFL I
- May 1 Soul-Predators game rescheduled - Philadelphia Soul
- Streak comes to end, Preds' McEntyre on IR - Orlando Predators
- Rush to host fifth annual free football clinic - Chicago Rush
- Colorado Crush game notes - Colorado Crush
- AFL week 13 quick hitters - AFL I
- Los Angeles Avengers game notes - Los Angeles Avengers
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.
