TallySaint

Stecker, McPherson out two weeks
Monday 12:30 p.m.

By Jimmy Smith
Staff writer



JACKSON, MISS. – Saints reserve tailback Aaron Stecker did not practice Monday morning because of a high ankle sprain that will keep him out of action for about two weeks, according to Coach Sean Payton.

Reserve quarterback Adrian McPherson, who was run over Saturday by a golf cart driven by the Tennessee Titans mascot, suffered a right knee bruise that he said might also keep him out two weeks. An MRI was negative.

“With Stecker, it’s good news considering,� Payton said. “He felt beter today on it. He’s got one of those casts that you immobilze it. But all the results were positive.�

Stecker’s practice reps will go to tailback Jammal Branch, a former NFL Europe player.

The NFL said Monday its football operations department was investigating the incident involving McPherson and the mascot, a raccoon known as “T-Rac,� but it was just in the fact-finding phase, according to league spokesman Greg Aiello.

Payton said he had not talked to the league about the incident.

“I think he’s going to be all right,� Payton said. “He wants to make sure everything is fine. It’s more of a bruise. They’ll figure it out.�

McPherson said the mishap occurred when he was attempting to field a punt during second-half warm-ups after he returned to the field following halftime.

“I was running for a punt and got hit directly on the knee cap by the cart, or whatever it was,� said McPherson, who said he was running full speed to catch the punt. “It’s a little disappointing. I know it was an accident, but I’m disappointed I can’t be out there practicing for the next game.
“I don’t remember much. I just remember being hit and laying down and just kind of looking up and not seeing the cart. It’s a very unfortunate situation. I know it’s an accident, but something like that should have never happened.�


http://www.nola.com/saintsbeat/weblog/

My Guardian Angel wears a hard hat.