Hoomanawanui Injury, Out 4-6 Weeks

BY JIM THOMAS jthomas@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8197

DENVER • Just when Michael Hoomanawanui was getting into a pass-catching groove, the rookie tight end suffered more injury problems. He didn't make it out of the first half Sunday because of rib and ankle problems.

"The concern is the ankle," coach Steve Spagnuolo said. "We'll know more after an MRI. At first we thought it was a fibula that he broke, but it wasn't that. It may fall in that high ankle sprain area, which is not good."

Hoomanawanui caught his second touchdown pass in as many weeks, this time on a 36-yard screen from Sam Bradford. He has 13 catches for 146 yards this season, sharing the team lead in TD catches (three) with Danny Amendola.

Ouch. That hurts. He was looking mean out there running away on that screen. Why can't we find some guys who just stay healthy.

Seriously, we have players that have big potential and when they start to shine they get injured. God, please give us a break.

I like this kid a lot, emerging into one of my favorites on the team. Hopefully he can recover quickly and get back on the field soon. He will be a stud for us.

I was wondering about that to begin with early in the day. During warmups, he appeared to be limping and the ankle was already heavily taped.

Quoting Brian Stull on Twitter:

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Mike Hoomawananui does have a high ankle sprain, out 4-6 weeks

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I'd rather he rest that ankle for the rest of the season and do some proper conditioning to help prevent him from falling victim into that kind of injury again. But whatever Spags has in mind, I'll respect his decision and hope for the best. The kid's flashing like a jewel in the rough and I'll like it to shine even brighter.

Well, he should be back for the playoffs!:D

That hurts probably ends his season. He and DX were giving Bradford some young developing targets.

This is bad news, although I guess it could be a lot worse. This kid looks special to me. Very athletic and agile for a big guy, with soft hands and a nose for the endzone. He's another guy like Alexander that has a dynamic affect on the offense, so not having him on the coming extended road trip is going to hurt. Let's hope his injury problems are not chronic.

One thing to keep in mind is that Hoomanawanui came into the league as a prospect with some durability concerns, and this is now his second high ankle sprain of the season (one for each ankle). At this point, I'd be tempted to shut him down for the year and let him heal up in anticipation of next year, but I hope these injuries don't become a lingering issue for him.

Too bad, and disappointing. :disapointed:

As mentioned above already, I too hope Hoomanawanui will resolve whatever durability issues he may be able to control and return next year with strength and conviction, using his abilities to the max. ...That the coaches help him become a better football player.

It would be great to have his TE potential fulfilled with the Rams. :ram:

Did Hoomanawanui have any ankle injuries during his college career at Illinois? I think I recall that he had some durability questions, not sure if it was the ankles though.



I have to admit, when we first drafted this guy, I thought he would just take Bajema's place as our blocking tight end. But once I saw him play in the pre-season, boy was I wrong. This guy can be a legit #1 TE. He has the size, strength, speed, tenacity, and hands to be a #1 TE. Match him up with Fendi Onobun on the other side when they both develop more, and Bradford's got some good-looking big TEs to throw to.

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Originally Posted by RockinRam

Did Hoomanawanui have any ankle injuries during his college career at Illinois?

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Yes, one in 2009 that limited him to five starts.

Never mind, see next post