Notes: Humphrey injures left leg
Tight end suffers broken fibula
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=639355
By TOM SILVERSTEIN
tsilverstein@journalsentinel.com
Posted: July 28, 2007
Green Bay - The Green Bay Packers suffered a significant blow to their tight end position on the first day of training camp practice.
Tory Humphrey, whom coach Mike McCarthy singled out last week as having one of the better off-seasons on the team, suffered a significant left leg injury and will be sidelined for several weeks.
According to a source familiar with the injury, X-rays showed he suffered a broken fibula, the smaller of the two bones in the lower leg. There's a chance Humphrey will undergo further medical tests to determine whether he suffered any tissue damage in the ankle.
The 6-foot-2, 250-pound Humphrey was working behind starter Donald Lee and was considered a good candidate for playing time this year, possibly ahead of veteran Bubba Franks. Though the shortest of the legitimate contenders for the job, he has speed down the field and isn't afraid to block someone.
Losing Humphrey on the first day of practice wasn't exactly the way McCarthy wanted to start camp.
"Individually, you feel bad for Tory because of the type of spring he's had," said McCarthy, who was unaware of the severity of the injury when he spoke with reporters. "I feel bad for him, but once again, it's a part of our game. It's unfortunate, but it gives other guys opportunities.
"You hate to see something like that happen anytime, but more important, on the first day."
Humphrey was blocking on the left side of the line during a running play when he got hurt. McCarthy said Humphrey was not clustered with other players and appeared to be out in space when he went down.
The top three tight ends on the depth chart are Lee, Franks and Zac Alcorn. Lee continues to work ahead of Franks, who is going to need a great camp to regain his starting position. Lee took the majority of snaps on the first day and said he was trying to take advantage of every opportunity.
"I'm just trying to make the best of the reps that I get," Lee said.
Humphrey's injury could take four weeks or more to heal depending on the severity. That will limit his opportunity to show he belongs on the field, but the Packers also have a pretty good feel for what kind of player he is.
Humphrey joined the Packers late in the 2005 season and has played in eight games since. He has played mostly on special teams and has not caught a pass.
Reply With Quote
... especially on the first day.
Originally Posted by HarveyWallbangers
