Ainge injured in practice

[WarTiger 3,926]

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Vols star QB Ainge out for spring after injuring knee

March 8, 2007

CBS SportsLine.com wire reports

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee starting quarterback Erik Ainge has injured his knee and will miss the rest of spring practice, coach Phillip Fulmer said Thursday.

Ainge has a partially torn meniscus and will have surgery next week.

The Volunteers started spring practice Feb. 22 and will have next week off for spring break before resuming practice March 20. Spring drills end March 31 with the annual Orange and White game.

Ainge, who will be a senior this fall, set the school's single-season record for completion percentage last season at 67 percent, going 233-of-348 with nine interceptions for 2,989 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Ainge started all but one game last season after a disappointing season in 2005 while splitting time with Rick Clausen. He started several games as a freshman in 2004 before the year was cut short with a separated shoulder.

Ainge sprained his right ankle last year against South Carolina. He tried to play in the next game against LSU but hurt the other ankle. Redshirt freshman Jonathan Crompton relieved him against LSU and started the next game at Arkansas.

The Vols were using spring practice to implement a new no-huddle offense. Ainge also would be integral in helping develop the team's next top receivers. Last year's top three receivers are now gone.

[kickerman97 3]

Big injuries in the spring are always tough. I wish him a healthy recovery.

I still hate .

[AUslug 1]

I wonder if Caudle will start now...uh wrong thread?

[DKW 86 7,451]

Sorry to hear anyone injured. Man, he is VERY needed at

[RadioWryn 0]

http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/6548348

Hmm, will he be back by fall?

[aumd03 2]

http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/6548348

Hmm, will he be back by fall?

Yeah. He could be back by the end of spring practice if he pushed it. Sounds like he's got the same problem Jamarcus Ricks is dealing with.

[bammanmr 0]

i guess they're going to have to scrap that no-huddle idea now.

[eagle76 1]

Depending upon how badly the meniscus is torn, he could possibly be walking around un-aided the same or next day. Will not want any contact but not that serious of an injury. Should not affect in any way his summer practice. 55 year old co-worker had similar (torn meniscus) surgery 3 weeks ago and was out jogging this week again - just not as fast or as far right now. Surely a 20 something can/will heal faster and better.

[SouthLink02 8]

Huge injury to him. UT was my #1 team in the SEC heading into next year football wise.

Their backup Crompton sucks, imo....but apparently they have this guy battling him for backup to Ainge who is blowing Crompton up workout wise and arm strength wise and everything....forgot his name

[kickerman97 3]

Just found this update on Ainge when browsing ESPN.com

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2798862