Indications from the morning newswire are a mixed bag, but we do now have
some local media confirmation regarding injuries to C Jeff Faine and C/G Shaun O'Hara.
The
Plain Dealer,
Canton
Repository, and
Lake County News-Herald are all reporting that both players are likely to be
out due to knee injuries. The Akron Beacon-Journal is being more cautious, and
offers only that Davis will have more information on possible injuries to Faine
and Zukauskas on Wednesday. The Plain Dealer and Canton Repository are both
quoting a "team source". The News-Herald did not state the nature of their
source.
Grossi notes that the team's spokesman has not confirmed the report, and
Doerschuck states that Butch Davis was unavailable on Tuesday for follow-up. It
is also possible that all sources reporting the information may be speaking to
the same individual.
Still, when this many local news outlets are singing the same tune, it is
tough to dismiss the report. This is particularly true when it comes from
respected beat writers like Tony Grossi and Steve Doerschuck,
Assuming the story is true, the next question is "what next?"
In all probability, Melvin Fowler would come off the inactive list to start
at center. Fowler had a starting opportunity earlier this year, but moved all
the way to the inactive list due to the coaching staff's evaluation of his
performance. Chad Beasley gave O'Hara a breather at several points on Sunday and
would be a possibility to start in his place. Less likely, but still possible,
is that Stokes would move back in to guard and that Joaquin Gonzalez would be
given an opportunity to start at tackle.
Enoch Demar and Craig Osika are both with the team, although neither has been
activated yet during the regular season. It the offensive line is indeed getting
as thin as these reports indicate, it is likely one or both would be active for
the game this Sunday.
BerniesInsiders.com will provide coverage throughout the day today as the
Berea facility is re-opened and the first official injury report is issued this
afternoon.
- AB