April 25, 2005 in Sports

Raiders QB Gannon likely done playing

Associated Press
 

ALAMEDA, Calif. – Raiders coach Norv Turner hinted Sunday that Rich Gannon’s career is over in Oakland, raising doubt the quarterback will play again after a serious neck injury.

“Rich hasn’t come out and publicly made any statements, but from a physical standpoint, it would be very difficult for him to play,” Turner said.

Turner said that Gannon, who turns 40 in December, will not attend the team’s mandatory minicamp next weekend and will be the only player not to participate. Turner expects no announcement before June 1 because of salary cap constraints.

Gannon, the NFL’s 2002 MVP, fractured a vertebra in his neck in the third week last season in a helmet-to-helmet collision with Tampa Bay linebacker Derrick Brooks.

Gannon, who went on injured reserve for the second straight year following consultations with four of the nation’s top neck and spine specialists, still attended meetings and games, determined to help his teammates any way possible.

Gannon has passed for 28,743 yards and 180 touchdowns in 18 seasons with Minnesota, Washington, Kansas City and Oakland.

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