MILWAUKEE—The finality of the 2012 season hit quarterback Russ Michna earlier than he had hoped. During Friday’s league transactions his name came across the wire for being placed on injured reserve.Sustaining a right shoulder injury on the second offensive series of the game last week against the San Antonio Talons Michna chose to remain in the game. He began the game 7-8 for 66 yards and an interception. After sustaining the injury, he finished the game 19-27 for 290 yards, 6 touchdowns and one interception.Luke Drone will start the final two games for the Rush.
“It’s……. this year has been extremely tough because it could’ve easily gone our way in so many close games, but didn’t,” said the 5-year AFL quarterback.
With injured reserve requiring a player to miss at least four weeks, the assignment appeared to kick in motion the end of the year reflections.What if the Rush were still in playoff contention?
“Early in the week was really bad (for the injury).”
Word from the coaching staff circled around Michna missing this game no matter what and that the Cleveland game would’ve required Michna to play far below 100% healthy.So enter in Illinois State quarterback Luke Drone who is no stranger to playing time this season.He’s had one start and seen action in in thirteen games for the Rush. Drone’s passing line reads 39-67 for 511 yards, with seven touchdowns and two interceptions. Another dimension of his game comes in the rushing department, where he’s cradled the ball 21 times and finished off 12 of those attempts with touchdowns.
“I’m excited,” stated Drone as a smile crept on his face. Clearly no one wishes injury upon anyone, but in a sport that is full of contact and squeezed into a smaller field everyone is aware of the next man up philosophy.
The former Dallas Desperados backup actually has a snippet of playing time against the Mustangs. In Week 6 of 2011 he entered into the game late and completed a pass for 16 yards. Expect bigger things tonight as he’s armed with a supporting cast hungry to finish the season 11-7.
Catch tonight’s game on ustream.tv/chicagorush beginning at 7:45 p.m. with Les Grobstein.