Leftwich out indefinitely
By Steve Wyche
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 10/23/07
Flowery Branch — Falcons quarterback Byron Leftwich could be back this season but there is no certainty as to when.
An MRI exam was administered to Leftwich's lower right leg Monday morning, but coach Bobby Petrino did not disclose the nature of the injury. Leftwich was hurt while making his first start for the Falcons in Sunday's 22-16 loss at New Orleans.
"I'm hoping Byron's on a timetable that he's back at some point," Petrino said, offering no time frame for his return.
The Falcons (1-6) are off this week, giving Leftwich a week to heal without missing any playing time. Their next game is Nov. 4 against San Francisco at the Georgia Dome.
Joey Harrington, who started the first six games before being replaced by Leftwich last week, will return to the starting role. Harrington replaced Leftwich after he was hurt in the third quarter against the Saints on a hit by Will Smith on a pass.
Leftwich, who completed 15 of 23 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown, was carted off the field. He underwent X-rays before being shuttled to the locker room, where he was placed in a hard walking boot. He also needed crutches.
Leftwich was unavailable for comment Monday.
If Leftwich's injury is a high ankle sprain, he could be out for at least two weeks if not longer because of the potential trickiness of the injury. Rookie linebacker Stephen Nicholas had a high ankle sprain at Tennessee Oct. 7 and has not practiced since.
The good news for Leftwich is that the injury did not affect his problematic left ankle, which he had surgically repaired while playing at Jacksonville.
Recurring injuries to the joint led to his release this summer.
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Leftwich out indefinitely | ajc.com