Shock QB Rowley keeps busy during bye

Spokane had a bye last week, but quarterback Kyle Rowley was still at work.

Rowley used the time to lift weights, study videotape and throw passes to head coach Andy Olson, a standout Shock receiver in 2008-09. Rowley has played in two games since returning to the franchise he helped lead to arena football championships in 2006 and 2010.

“I just wanted to get in the film room more than anything,” he said. “With two games, I only have so many reps I can look at but there’s patterns in those reps. I wanted to take a look at any small things I can improve on and get them fixed by the time the guys got back. And I wanted to get another week of throwing in. Andy’s a good receiver. Andy’s a great receiver.”

Arena Football League players don’t get paid during bye weeks and it’s their choice if they want to get together with teammates for drills. Olson estimated half of Spokane’s players left town. Many who stayed spent the week healing up from the first five games; others conditioned and/or hit the weight room.

Rowley spotted several things on video.

“I feel like I need to … I don’t want to say that,” he said, halting a sentence to avoid saying something that could be seen by opponents. “What I saw is we need to get to the point where we’re a playoff team, a championship-caliber team. The only difference I see in pro football is mistakes. Everyone can make plays, it’s how consistently you can do it and eliminate those one or two mistakes.”

Rowley will be busy as Spokane (2-3) prepares for Saturday’s road game against Jacksonville (2-3). Backup quarterback Adam Froman is getting married this weekend and will miss the game.

Spokane played with one quarterback (Froman) and without a backup against San Antonio and San Jose. Going with one quarterback has obvious risks, but it gives a team an opportunity to address another position. Olson will determine later this week if Spokane signs a backup or goes solo versus Jacksonville.

Notes

Injured quarterback Erik Meyer “is getting better every week, but it’ll probably be at least another 3-4 weeks,” Olson said. … Spokane placed jack linebacker Terence Moore (knee) on injured reserve last week. Freddie Harris, who played in the San Antonio game, was activated from IR and took reps at the position Tuesday. Spokane has contacted former Shock linebacker Antwan Marsh but “we haven’t committed to anything. We’re giving Freddie a chance to see how he does.” … Mac linebacker Beau Bell and receiver Joe Hills left practice with injuries, but Olson was optimistic both would be available Saturday. … Spokane’s three West Division rivals won last week. Arizona, Utah and San Jose improved to 4-2. … Offensive lineman Ben Ossai has signed a CFL contract with the B.C. Lions and has left the Shock. Cory Brandon, recently activated from injured reserve, will probably replace Ossai in the lineup.