November 09, 2004

Quarterback Updates

Eric Ainge suffered a third-degree separation of his right shoulder just before halftime in Tennessee's 17-13 loss to Notre Dame, according to his father, Doug.

X-rays reveal no breaks in the shoulder and the swelling has gone done. However, little is known about possible ligament damage and if that will require season ending surgery for Ainge. Ainge is currently wearing a sling on his arm and the swelling has gone down a bit. He is resting the arm and hopes to be back for the SEC Championship Game should Tennessee win out and make the trip to the Georgia Dome.

Ainge will have the shoulder evaulated again in two weeks and begin to consider all his possiblities.

In this morning's Tennessean, Doug Ainge said:

'The pain and swelling are better, and that's a start,'' Doug Ainge said. ''But Erik and I have talked a lot about the dangers of trying to come back too fast from this type of injury, especially for a pitcher or a quarterback.

''He understands by doing so that he could cause an injury that doesn't require surgery to become an injury that does require surgery. We've just got to be patient.''

''We'll make a call then,'' Doug said. ''If he's still not better at that point, then maybe we'll have to go in and get it repaired surgically.

''I believe in miracles. I really do. A miracle would be the Kentucky game (on Nov. 27). A semi-miracle would be the SEC championship game.

''Erik wants to do everything he can to get back. That's why he's an athlete. But he also understands what he would be risking by trying to rush this, and I know Coach (Fulmer) and Coach (Randy) Sanders understand that, too.''

With the injuries to Brent Shaeffer and Ainge, an opportunity has opened up at quarterback for the Vols. Rick Clausen came in Saturday against the Fighting Irish and appears to be the starter for the rest of the season.

However, the door has also been opened for C.J. Leak, who was the dropped as starting quarterback before the season in favor of Shaeffer and Ainge.

Posted by Michael Hickerson

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Comments & Trackbacks

1. Mike O says:

   posted on November 9, 2004 07:06 PM — link

   good going Randy Sander,
   what were you thinking when you put the only QB left on the team thats worth a damn in the shotgun with 22 sec. left before the half? that he would throw the ball from the 20 to the endzone. oh yeah not to mention a 2nd string center snapping the ball. I could possibly understand if they were on the 50 yard line but not the 24.