Football News - Owens Out for Regular Season



Eagles star receiver Terrell Owens will miss the rest of the regular season and possibly the entire playoffs because of a sprained right ankle. This comes as a devastating blow for the NFC's best team.

The Eagles' star receiver was hurt within a minute of the third quarter of Philadelphia's win over Dallas on Sunday when he was tackled from behind by Cowboys safety Roy Williams. Owens immediately grabbed the back of his leg, which was bent backward, in pain.

Owens will have surgery Dec. 22 and could possibly play in the Super Bowl on February 6 (if Philadelphia makes it that far) head trainer Rick Burkholder said.

"There's a lot of hurdles that have to be taken on before he can ever get to that point," Burkholder said. In 5 weeks, (after surgery and rehab) Terrell will be running. The Super Bowl is in 7 weeks, so you do the math."

Owens, who has 77 catches for 1,120 yards and a team-record 14 touchdowns, also has a fracture a few inches below his knee. He will undergo surgery on December 22nd.

Owens, however, does not plan on abandoning the Eagles at all and plans to hopefully cheer them on all the way to the Super Bowl.

"I was looking forward to the playoffs, really trying to get this team to the Super Bowl," Owens said in a conference call. "I think without me, still, they achieve that goal. "I'm behind them. I'm going to be their biggest cheerleader. There's no reason for the city of Philadelphia to get down because I'm not there. Obviously, my presence will be missed, but we have the guys to get it done."

Early tests revealed a high ankle sprain. A screw will be implanted to stabilize and strengthen the ankle joint. Owens had an MRI at the Eagles complex the morning of December 20th, and complained of pain in his lower leg. He then saw an ankle specialist in Baltimore.

"I went down there optimistic, hoping for the best, and I got the worst of news," Owens said. "Things happen. You've just got to move on from it."

With Owens out, the weight will be placed on the shoulders of Freddie Mitchell, Todd Pinkston and Greg Lewis to lead the receiving core. Those three have a combined 60 catches for 1,073 yards compared to Owens, who has 77 catches for 1,120 yards.

"Freddie's going to get his chances to make plays," Owens said. "There shouldn't be any more excuses as to why he's not getting the ball. Now he gets his chance."

Owens' 14 touchdown catches currently leave him one short of winning his bet with Reid that would've required the heavy-set coach to wear black tights.

"I made that very clear. The tights are on hold," said Reid. "Now if he can come back and get one in the Super Bowl, I'll don the tights."




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