Storm

Despite sprain, Briggs may be ready for playoffs

Tom Briggs was understandably apprehensive when he visited a team doctor for an MRI exam on his ailing knee. The injury, which occurred in a June 16 win over Grand Rapids, felt exactly like the torn ACL he suffered last season. When the doctor reviewed the MRI results with him, his fears seemed to be confirmed.

By DAVID MURPHY
Published June 28, 2007

Tom Briggs was understandably apprehensive when he visited a team doctor for an MRI exam on his ailing knee. The injury, which occurred in a June 16 win over Grand Rapids, felt exactly like the torn ACL he suffered last season. When the doctor reviewed the MRI results with him, his fears seemed to be confirmed.

"He looked at the ACL, and he said, 'Oh, ' " the veteran defensive end said. "It was pretty tense."

Fortunately for Briggs, a second exam revealed no damage to the ACL, leaving him with a second-degree sprain of the MCL and a chance at returning to the field in time for this weekend's playoff game against Columbus.

Although he said after practice Tuesday he is 50/50, it would take a lot to keep him off the field Saturday afternoon. At 37, Briggs said he has pretty much decided that next year will be his last in Arena Football. Before bidding adieu to the league he has played in for 11 years, he would love to get his hands on an elusive ArenaBowl title.

After tearing the ACL in his left knee while playing for Austin last season, Briggs endured an arduous rehabilitation that was capped by three months of intense training at his hunting camp in Ischua, N.Y. There, in subfreezing temperatures, he put himself through a training regimen straight out of a Rocky IV: running hills, pushing metal plates, flipping tractor tires.

The work appeared to pay off. Briggs has been a fixture in the starting lineup this season and is second on the team in sacks (five) and tackles for loss (6.5). On Tuesday, he was back on the practice field ahead of schedule.

"If there's any way he can play, he'll play, " coach Tim Marcum said.

FAMILY TIES: It's going to be a good old-fashioned reunion this weekend when Columbus comes to town. Destroyers receiver Freddie Solomon played for the Storm from 2003 to 2006. Fellow receiver David Saunders was here from 2002 to 2005. And receiver Jerald Brown is a cousin of Storm linebacker/fullback Marvin Brown.

JOHNSON HONORED: Defensive back Jeroid Johnson was honored as the AFL's defensive player of the week. Johnson had two interceptions nullified by penalties in the regular-season finale Saturday against Austin, but picked off another one and returned a blocked extra point the length of the field for a two-point conversion.

[Last modified June 27, 2007, 23:28:49]