Rowley to start for Shock

Kyle Rowley, who started the first eight games of the Arena Football League season, has been named the starter for Spokane’s road game against New Orleans on Saturday. Rowley replaces Erik Meyer, who is out with a concussion but is expected to return next week. Bill Stull, who unseated Rowley as the starter against Dallas last month, will be the backup. Both quarterbacks were injured in that game. Both were activated from injured reserve Thursday. “Kyle gives us the most experience at that position,” head coach Rob Keefe said. “He’s been in that position before. (The competition) is always close. Bill is going to go and he’s preparing himself to be ready.” Rowley, MVP of the 2010 ArenaBowl, has passed for 2,446 yards and 59 touchdowns with 11 interceptions this season. Spokane is 3-5 with Rowley as the starter. Stull has completed 4 of 6 passes with one touchdown and one interception in two games. Steven Sheffield, who backed up Casey Hansen and Erik Meyer the last four games, was placed on IR with a back issue, Keefe said. Receiver Raul Vijil (hamstring) also went on IR while receiver Chas Gessner was activated. Keefe said losing standout receiver Markee White to UFL Hartford is a “tough loss, but at the end of the day he only played in (four) games and we feel confident with the players we have. We wish Markee the best in his future.”