Jul
Tucker’s season over and career in jeopardy
Courtesy Edmonton Journal:
Jason Tucker’s football career is in jeopardy, although that’s hardly the primary focus for the Edmonton Eskimos.
Doctors have placed Tucker, 32, in traction at the Hamilton General Hospital with fractured and dislocated vertebrae near the base of his neck.
He will require surgery in the coming hours or days to repair the C6 and C7 vertebrae.
“An injury like this very quickly puts the game of football in it’s proper perspective,” said head coach Danny Maciocia. “Jason means so much to this team, his tremendous talent and determined leadership are an inspiration.”
In football terms, Tucker is definitely gone for the season. But the team is more concerned with Tucker’s ability to play with his four daughters and tend to the cows on his Texas ranch.
“This is an unstable fracture that could cause nerve damage, so it’s very important that it be stabilized,” team physician Dr. Jeff Robinson said in a written statement. “This is a catastrophic injury, but he should make a full recovery.”
The sure-handed pass catcher collided helmet-to-helmet Friday night with Hamilton defensive back Jykine Bradley in a 19-13 victory for the Eskimos at Ivor Wynne Stadium.
Tucker fumbled on impact, but he still had the presence of mind to pounce on the loose ball.
Bradley stayed on the ground for about five minutes, but eventually made it to the bench under his own steam. Tucker lay face-first on the artificial grass for 15 minutes before training staff carefully turned him and moved him onto a backboard and into the ambulance.
