The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
46°F
Current Conditions
Few clouds
View complete weather report
Subscribe now

SportsLink

  1. Blogs
  2. SportsLink
  3. Shock trade for Meyer, give up Smith

Shock trade for Meyer, give up Smith

Spokane has made a trade it hopes will solve its quarterback issues, but it came at a hefty price.

The Shock dealt standout defensive end Khreem Smith and starting center Antonio Narcisse to Utah for quarterback Erik Meyer and starting center Raymond McNeil. Meyer, the former Eastern Washington Eagle, was Kyle Rowley's backup in Spokane last season.

“I love and respect every player that has played for me. This is very bittersweet, but it will help us more as a team. Right now we are 1.5 games out of the playoffs and with seven games to go, we have our sights set on making a playoff run,” Shock coach Rob Keefe said. “In the postseason, it’s important not to have the best individuals, but the best team. These moves make our team better and that is what’s important right now.”

Spokane (4-7) dropped its second straight game without Rowley (shoulder) and Bill Stull (knee) on Saturday, falling to Kansas City. Casey Hansen, the starter the last two games, led Spokane to just one offense-generated touchdown in the first half. 

The Shock have a bye week and then entertain Philadelphia. Rowley and Stull are both on injured reserve and will miss at least one more game.

Meyer was 18 of 28 for 274 yards and five touchdowns in two games last season. His season was cut short by injury and Spokane eventually brought in Brian Zbydniewski to back up Rowley. Meyer hasn't attempted a pass this season as the backup to starter Tommy Grady.

McNeil was with the Milwaukee Iron last season and previously played for Green Bay in arenafootball2.

Smith is regarded as one of the top defensive lineman in the AFL. He was tied for third in the league in sacks (7), and third in tackles for loss (9.5). He also had three forced fumbles and five blocked kicks. Narcisse has started most of the last two seasons.

More here.

Jim Meehan
Jim Meehan joined The Spokesman-Review in 1990. Jim is currently a reporter for the Sports Desk and covers Gonzaga University basketball, Spokane Empire football, college volleyball and golf.

Follow Jim online:

Looking for a Grip on Sports?

Vince Grippi's daily take on all things regional sports has been moved to our main sports section online. You can find a collection of these columns here.