Crowell, McGee exit early
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Injuries sideline defensive starters
By ALLEN WILSON
News Sports Reporter
12/4/2006
It's hard enough trying to stop LaDainian Tomlinson and the San Diego Chargers offense. It's even tougher with a depleted defense.
The Buffalo Bills were faced with that dilemma as starting outside linebacker Angelo Crowell and cornerback Terrence McGee suffered injuries early in Sunday's 24-21 loss.
Crowell went down with a strained calf muscle six plays into the Chargers' opening drive. McGee sprained an ankle after a 37-yard kickoff return in the first quarter. Crowell had an X-ray, but coach **** Jauron didn't have the results after the game.
Crowell, who was carrying a walking boot in his hand in the locker room, is optimistic that he'll practice this week.
"It's a little sore, but I feel good about my chances," he said. "I'll be ready to rock."
McGee returned to the game briefly after getting hurt, but the ankle didn't respond.
"I got re-taped and I went back out there, but the more I played the weaker my ankle was getting," McGee said. "Being at the cornerback position, all you have is your feet and your hands. So the coaches decided to take me out.
"It was tough from the simple fact that I was feeling good before the injury. I got the kickoff return and I got my hand on the ball on a pass while playing cornerback and I was starting to get my swagger going. But when I got hurt, I couldn't break or cut the way I wanted to. I tried but I wasn't effective. I could have returned if someone got hurt, but the guys were playing well and I didn't want to put the team in jeopardy."
