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Gradkowski misses football practice
By DAVE HACKENBERG
BLADE SPORTS WRITER
University of Toledo starting quarterback Bruce Gradkowski did not practice yesterday, but coach Tom Amstutz would not address his status for Tuesday night's game at Fresno State.
Yesterday's practice was the Rockets' first of the week because of the extended period between last Saturday's win at Temple and the game at Fresno State.
"It was like a normal Sunday practice for us, and if a player is sore after a game it's not unusual for him to miss the Sunday practice," Amstutz said.
When asked if he was more concerned about Gradkowski's status because it had been five days since the last game, Amstutz said: "No. It's still too early to say if something is definitely wrong or definitely not wrong that would affect Bruce's playing status."
Asked if there was a specific injury, Amstutz said, "There are a couple little things. I don't want to address the specifics right now for his safety."
Gradkowski reportedly had trouble breathing normally during halftime of the Temple game because of a hit he took while running the ball late in the first half.
He missed the first series of the second half, but did return later to throw for one touchdown and run for another, capping a 42-17 win that stretched UT's record to 3-0.
Gradkowski said after the game that he was fine and that, "I just had the wind knocked out of me."
He was not available for comment yesterday.
The senior, now the school's career leader in completions and passing yards, also appeared to be injured while running for a touchdown late in the first half of the season-opener against Western Illinois.
He did not play at all in the second half of that game, and although he and Amstutz both downplayed the extent of any injury and would not comment on what it might have been, Gradkowski practiced the following week with what appeared to be a protective wrap around the upper arm and shoulder area on his left (non-throwing) arm.
Back-up Clint Cochran has played in all three of UT's games this season and has completed 14 of 16 pass attempts for 92 yards.
By DAVE HACKENBERG
BLADE SPORTS WRITER
University of Toledo starting quarterback Bruce Gradkowski did not practice yesterday, but coach Tom Amstutz would not address his status for Tuesday night's game at Fresno State.
Yesterday's practice was the Rockets' first of the week because of the extended period between last Saturday's win at Temple and the game at Fresno State.
"It was like a normal Sunday practice for us, and if a player is sore after a game it's not unusual for him to miss the Sunday practice," Amstutz said.
When asked if he was more concerned about Gradkowski's status because it had been five days since the last game, Amstutz said: "No. It's still too early to say if something is definitely wrong or definitely not wrong that would affect Bruce's playing status."
Asked if there was a specific injury, Amstutz said, "There are a couple little things. I don't want to address the specifics right now for his safety."
Gradkowski reportedly had trouble breathing normally during halftime of the Temple game because of a hit he took while running the ball late in the first half.
He missed the first series of the second half, but did return later to throw for one touchdown and run for another, capping a 42-17 win that stretched UT's record to 3-0.
Gradkowski said after the game that he was fine and that, "I just had the wind knocked out of me."
He was not available for comment yesterday.
The senior, now the school's career leader in completions and passing yards, also appeared to be injured while running for a touchdown late in the first half of the season-opener against Western Illinois.
He did not play at all in the second half of that game, and although he and Amstutz both downplayed the extent of any injury and would not comment on what it might have been, Gradkowski practiced the following week with what appeared to be a protective wrap around the upper arm and shoulder area on his left (non-throwing) arm.
Back-up Clint Cochran has played in all three of UT's games this season and has completed 14 of 16 pass attempts for 92 yards.
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