WP:Ramsey Has Concussion; Samuels Sidelined by Knee

[TK]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A8990-2003Nov23.html

Redskins Notebook

Ramsey Has Concussion; Samuels Sidelined by Knee

By Mark Maske

Washington Post Staff Writer

Monday, November 24, 2003; Page D14

Redskins' Patrick Ramsey, who started despite foot pain, left game in first quarter after hard tackle by Dolphins.

MIAMI, Nov. 23 -- Quarterback Patrick Ramsey left the Washington Redskins' 24-23 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday night at Pro Player Stadium because of a slight concussion, and left tackle Chris Samuels exited with what he and team officials believed was a sprained knee ligament.

Ramsey was in the starting lineup after testing his injured right foot during a pregame workout. But he was knocked from the game after two series when he was slammed to the turf by two Dolphins defenders on a sack.

Ramsey was grabbed by Jason Taylor but kept fighting to stay on his feet and took a hard hit from Miami's other defensive end, Jay Williams. Ramsey managed to get rid of the ball but officials ruled that he was down first. Ramsey landed hard on his right shoulder and had his neck twisted, and remained on the ground for a few minutes before walking to the sideline.

"I was never knocked out, just a little woozy," Ramsey said. "When I got up to throw passes [on the sideline], I got a little bit dizzy. I was just kind of out of it."

Ramsey remained on the sideline while backup Tim Hasselbeck played well. Coach Steve Spurrier said he would determine his starter for next Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints at FedEx Field after monitoring Ramsey's health during the week.

Ramsey, who is suffering from a bone bruise and the aggravation of an old fracture, pronounced himself fit to start about two hours before game time after testing his ability to plant on his foot and throw. He emerged from the locker room just after 6:30 p.m. and made a series of short throws, then unleashed one longer pass before leaving the field. The Redskins announced that Ramsey would start, and he later reappeared on the field with the rest of his teammates for the standard pregame warmups.

It has been a season full injuries for Ramsey. He has played with a sore knee, a sprained left (non-throwing) shoulder, a bruised left forearm and a dislocated little finger on his left hand. But he described his foot injury as the most difficult of his ailments to endure.

Samuels said he is scheduled to undergo an MRI exam on Monday to determine the severity of his injury. But he indicated he believes that he suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament, an injury that perhaps could sideline him for a few games.

Smith Wraps Up Milestone

Defensive end Bruce Smith tied Reggie White's NFL career sacks record when he recorded a half-sack in the first quarter. Smith and defensive end Renaldo Wynn teamed to take down Brian Griese, giving Smith 198 career sacks.

"It would have been nicer if we'd won the game," Smith said. "That's the ultimate goal." . . .

The Redskins placed running back Rock Cartwright on their game-day inactive list because of the sprained ankle that he suffered during the Carolina game. Cartwright pledged during the week to play but it became clear by late in the week that he would be unable to do so. . . .

NFL schedule-makers did the Dolphins no favors this week. After playing this Sunday night game, they must get ready for a Thanksgiving showdown at Dallas. . . .

Cornerback Rashad Bauman played for the Redskins after missing three games because of a sprained ankle. Tight end Byron Chamberlain was on the game-day active roster for the first time in four games. . . . Wide receiver Taylor Jacobs's rookie-year frustrations continued when he suffered a sprained knee.