Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, September 14, 1993 TAG: 9309140088
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JIM DUCIBELLA LANDMARK NEWS SERVICE
DATELINE: ASHBURN LENGTH: Medium
That, team orthopedic surgeon Charles Jackson said, was the "good" news that came from Rypien's early morning MRI at Arlington Hospital.
Rypien was injured in the second quarter of Sunday's 17-10 loss to the Phoenix Cardinals. Jackson gave him medication for swelling in the knee and will start the quarterback on immediate motion and strengthening exercises. Rypien will wear a lightweight knee brace the rest of the season.
The goal, expressed by Jackson and Rypien, is for Rypien to play against the Miami Dolphins on Monday, Oct. 4.
"That's what I'm gearing for," he said.
If that happens, Rypien will have missed just one game. The Redskins play at Philadelphia on Sunday, then have their first of two bye weeks before facing the Dolphins.
Even if the worst happens and Rypien is out six weeks, he still will miss just four games. The Redskins' second bye week is Oct. 24.
Rypien admitted that he will "make the final decision" on when he returns.
"I'm excited because this injury won't take the rest of the season," Rypien said. "Overall, it's good news."
Petitbon, after hedging a bit Sunday, tabbed Conklin to start against the Eagles. It will be his first NFL regular-season start.
"Do I have a choice?" Petitbon said. "Seriously, the only thing wrong with Cary is that he's inexperienced. He's going to have to grow up fast."
Conklin said of his first real opportunity in the pros: "It really happened fast. Now I'm in a situation where you have a shot and you better take advantage of it."
Petitbon said Conklin's performance - 16-of-29, 169 yards - got progressively better as the game wore on.
"He made some nice plays in the second half," Petitbon said. "Some of what went wrong wasn't his fault.
"But he's an unknown quantity. He hasn't been at it long enough for us to know what he's going to do."
Conklin and recently acquired Rich Gannon will share practice time this week because Gannon doesn't yet know the offense and is now just one tackle from having to play.
But with Rypien's return time comparatively minimal, Petitbon said he won't sign another quarterback. Running back Brian Mitchell will serve as the team's No. 3 quarterback, a position he played in college.
Keywords:
FOOTBALL
by CNB