THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, July 23, 1994 TAG: 9407230358
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: REDSKIN NOTES
SOURCE: BY JIM DUCIBELLA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: REDSKINNOTES CARLISLE, PA. LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
Center John Gesek walked off the practice field at Dickinson College Friday distraught at the prospect that a back problem he thought he'd licked a couple of years ago may be back.
Gesek, who came with new coach Norv Turner from the Dallas Cowboys and is expected to anchor the Redskins offensive line, left Friday's afternoon practice early after suffering back spasms. He will miss today's controlled scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers - and perhaps much more.
``It was embarrassing being out there today and not being able to participate,'' Gesek said. ``I thought I was done with this a couple of years ago.''
Gesek said he was plagued by back problems early in his career with the Cowboys, but hadn't been bothered until three weeks ago. He injured his back in the Redskins' weight room, but the pain subsided after a week and he'd had no further trouble until Friday.
Matt Elliott took Gesek's spot on the first-team line. That's somewhat curious in that last year's starting center, Raleigh McKenzie, could have moved over from his guard spot and former Pro Bowler Mark Schlereth could have been inserted.
However, Schlereth, whom the Redskins tried to trade during the offseason, stood and watched, playing only with the other second-liners.
There was no word on how long Gesek is expected to be out. Continual trouble with back spasms was one of the primary reasons tackle Joe Jacoby announced his retirement earlier this week.
Another starter, linebacker Kurt Gouveia, fractured his left thumb Friday morning. There also was no word on how much time Gouveia is expected to miss. He has played with the same injury.
DESMOND'S DAY: Desmond Howard had one of the best practices of his career Friday afternoon. The third-year receiver from Michigan, perhaps the team's most scrutinized player for what has been two unproductive years, beat Darrell Green on a long touchdown pass from John Friesz and made several other catches despite, rainy, slick conditions.
``We called a lot of plays for Desmond the first three practices and each time it seemed the defense would roll up in his direction and give him double coverage,'' Turner said. ``Today, he got some single opportunities finally, and he made some plays.''
MORE INJURIES: Running back Reggie Brooks sat out Friday's workouts with a pulled hamstring that Turner downplayed as nothing serious. ... Oft-injured offensive tackle Moe Elewonibi took part in the Friday afternoon session despite a groin inuury that sidelined him Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. ... Defensive end Leonard Marshall has yet to practice because of a slow-healing shoulder injury he's been nursing since last season. No one seems particularly sure when Marshall, who signed for two years at $1.1 million a season, will be ready to go. ... H-back/fullback Frank Wycheck won't scrimmage after suffering a concussion Thursday. The former Maryland star's head injuries have become a concern. by CNB