royr17
11-09-2004, 05:31 AM
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1918832
Vermeil says running back's status is unclear
Associated Press
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- NFL rushing and scoring leader Priest Holmes has strained right knee ligaments and his status is unclear, Kansas City coach Dick Vermeil said Monday.
Holmes, on pace to erase the NFL touchdown record he set in 2003, left Sunday's game against Tampa Bay with about four minutes left in the third quarter. The injury was first said to be a knee contusion.
"Priest has a strained MCL. The extent of the strain will only be known after a period of days," Vermeil said.
"We'll go ahead and prepare as if he's not going to be there," Vermeil said, adding that Holmes will be evaluated each day and was "a little better" on Monday.
Holmes, 31, leads the NFL with 892 yards rushing and 90 points despite being dogged much of the season with nagging injuries.
He underwent hip surgery following the 2002 season and bounced back, scoring a league-record 27 touchdowns in 2003. He scored his 14th touchdown of this season in Kansas City's 34-31 loss to the Buccaneers before leaving after a 13-yard run around left end.
Vermeil, pressed on how long his three-time Pro Bowl running back might be out, threw up his hands.
"I can't make that determination right now. Nor can the doctors. Nor can Priest right now," he said. "Of course, Priest is always optimistic. And he surprises us all the time by doing what he does and how he does it.
"We'll just play it by ear," he said.
The news about linebacker Shawn Barber's knee injury was worse. Vermeil said Barber could possibly be out the rest of the year. He'll be examined this week by a specialist in Birmingham, Ala., Vermeil said.
"We'll know more later," Vermeil said, adding that it was "very possible" the seven-year veteran would not return this season.
The Chiefs (3-5) are hopeful of getting backup running back Derrick Blaylock on the practice field this week as they prepare for Sunday's game at New Orleans.
Blaylock, who was out last week with a thigh bruise, scored four rushing touchdowns against Atlanta on Oct. 24 as he and Holmes combined to score an NFL-record eight TDs.
Former No. 1 draft pick Larry Johnson, who has publicly lobbied for more playing time, had 21 yards on 10 carries in relief of Holmes against Tampa Bay. He also had four catches for 38 yards. But he failed twice on short goal-line runs, where Holmes the past three years has been almost unstoppable.
"He did OK," Vermeil said of Johnson. "He's rusty. No running back looks real good until he gets to playing some. He missed two reads. But he's not used to running down there on those situations."
Holmes stood on the sideline next to running backs coach James Saxon during the final minutes Sunday but appeared ready to go back in.
"We don't play anybody who isn't ready to play at his best, or would hurt him," said Vermeil. "We didn't put him back in there Sunday because we didn't feel real good about it. It just doesn't make good sense. Not Priest Holmes or any player."
Vermeil says running back's status is unclear
Associated Press
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- NFL rushing and scoring leader Priest Holmes has strained right knee ligaments and his status is unclear, Kansas City coach Dick Vermeil said Monday.
Holmes, on pace to erase the NFL touchdown record he set in 2003, left Sunday's game against Tampa Bay with about four minutes left in the third quarter. The injury was first said to be a knee contusion.
"Priest has a strained MCL. The extent of the strain will only be known after a period of days," Vermeil said.
"We'll go ahead and prepare as if he's not going to be there," Vermeil said, adding that Holmes will be evaluated each day and was "a little better" on Monday.
Holmes, 31, leads the NFL with 892 yards rushing and 90 points despite being dogged much of the season with nagging injuries.
He underwent hip surgery following the 2002 season and bounced back, scoring a league-record 27 touchdowns in 2003. He scored his 14th touchdown of this season in Kansas City's 34-31 loss to the Buccaneers before leaving after a 13-yard run around left end.
Vermeil, pressed on how long his three-time Pro Bowl running back might be out, threw up his hands.
"I can't make that determination right now. Nor can the doctors. Nor can Priest right now," he said. "Of course, Priest is always optimistic. And he surprises us all the time by doing what he does and how he does it.
"We'll just play it by ear," he said.
The news about linebacker Shawn Barber's knee injury was worse. Vermeil said Barber could possibly be out the rest of the year. He'll be examined this week by a specialist in Birmingham, Ala., Vermeil said.
"We'll know more later," Vermeil said, adding that it was "very possible" the seven-year veteran would not return this season.
The Chiefs (3-5) are hopeful of getting backup running back Derrick Blaylock on the practice field this week as they prepare for Sunday's game at New Orleans.
Blaylock, who was out last week with a thigh bruise, scored four rushing touchdowns against Atlanta on Oct. 24 as he and Holmes combined to score an NFL-record eight TDs.
Former No. 1 draft pick Larry Johnson, who has publicly lobbied for more playing time, had 21 yards on 10 carries in relief of Holmes against Tampa Bay. He also had four catches for 38 yards. But he failed twice on short goal-line runs, where Holmes the past three years has been almost unstoppable.
"He did OK," Vermeil said of Johnson. "He's rusty. No running back looks real good until he gets to playing some. He missed two reads. But he's not used to running down there on those situations."
Holmes stood on the sideline next to running backs coach James Saxon during the final minutes Sunday but appeared ready to go back in.
"We don't play anybody who isn't ready to play at his best, or would hurt him," said Vermeil. "We didn't put him back in there Sunday because we didn't feel real good about it. It just doesn't make good sense. Not Priest Holmes or any player."