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| 11-02-2004 | Previous edition: 11-01-2004 |
        
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Printer-friendly version Injury derails top linebacker
Sports Editor Purdue will likely be without its most experienced starting linebacker for the remainder of the season. Junior outside linebacker Bobby Iwuchukwu left Saturday’s 13-10 loss to Northwestern in the first half with a knee injury. "It’s going to be a non-surgical issue," coach Joe Tiller said. "However, it’s 4-6 weeks and the season’s over in 4-6 weeks." The injury came as a result of a cut block by a Northwestern running back. Iwuchukwu was carted off and did not return. If Purdue plays in a bowl game, which would be after the 4-6 week period, Iwuchukwu might be healthy enough to play. But that doesn’t necessarily mean he will. "I don’t know if you want to risk putting him back out there," Tiller said. "We got a guy that’s a good football player that we got to be smart about what we do with him. "But certainly he’s done for the balance of the regular season and most likely if we’re involved in postseason he would be done then, too." Iwuchukwu was also one of Purdue’s most feared kick blockers. He has blocked six kicks — five field goals and one extra point — in his career, including two field goals this season. "He was improving and getting better each week," defensive coordinator Brock Spack said. "You just hate to see that happen to anybody." Freshman Cliff Avril will play in Iwuchukwu’s spot. Avril made six tackles Saturday against Northwestern, which tied him for second on the team. He also had a tackle for loss. "He’s played quite a bit and did a good job on Saturday and didn’t hurt us on Saturday," Spack said. "He’ll been fine." Avril has 15 tackles, including two tackles for loss, in eight games this season. He competed with Iwuchukwu for the starting linebacker job during fall camp, but the more experienced Iwuchukwu won the spot. After playing well on Saturday, Tiller said the freshman’s improvement is apparent. "Maybe he’s ready to step up and play on a full-time basis," Tiller said. "He’s been just a freshman but he’s gotten better each week out, so he played pretty well." Spack said there are a couple other adjustments Purdue will make to compensate for Iwuchukwu’s absence. "(Freshman safety) Torri Williams will be in a package that we use five DBs," he said. "We’ll play that more. A little more (sophomore linebacker) Al Royal, too." Other injuries Tiller said Sunday that two Boilermakers - sophomore quarterback Brandon Kirsch and freshman wide receiver Dorien Bryant - have shoulder injuries, but neither should miss any more practice time this week. "Bryant';s got a little sore shoulder clavicle thing," Tiller said. "Kirsch has got the same thing. We expect both those guys in practice Tuesday." Printer-friendly version |
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