Stover

**TBOERaven16** · 12-12-2008, 07:34 AM

http://profootball24x7.com/column_vi...5&view=archive

I read here that Stover plans on playing this Sunday despite a sprained ankle. Anyone else concerned? This seems destined to be a close game and I think I would be extremely nervous about him kicking an important WITHOUT a sprained ankle. Thoughts?

**lawbuz** · 12-12-2008, 07:40 AM

I don't think there is anyway he can kick with a sprained ankle. I'm sure that he will wait until pregame warm-ups and test it out, but if it is sprained, even extra points might be difficult. That God we have Hauschka. He may not be as accurate, but I really think this game will come down to us needing to make a 45+ yarder to win the game with little time left. Hauschka will be kicking that one anyway.

**ravenfever_com** · 12-12-2008, 07:42 AM

I am not worried at all.... Stover will play if he can and will sit if he needs too.

**camdenyard** · 12-12-2008, 08:47 AM

On the physics of kicking...

On his right or kicking foot, there is very little flexing of the ankle required, and none laterally. He's swinging a club essentially, so he can tape the hell out of it without a problem. If it was his plant foot, that would be a problem.

**Ravenswarrior19** · 12-12-2008, 08:55 AM

Originally Posted by camdenyard

On the physics of kicking...

On his right or kicking foot, there is very little flexing of the ankle required, and none laterally. He's swinging a club essentially, so he can tape the hell out of it without a problem. If it was his plant foot, that would be a problem.

Mostly agree, except for the pain aspect. Kicking a cold football with a bum ankle will be painful. I'm sure Stover will be able to handle the pain, but will that toy with his concentration?

**jonboy79** · 12-12-2008, 10:11 AM

Originally Posted by camdenyard

On the physics of kicking...

On his right or kicking foot, there is very little flexing of the ankle required, and none laterally. He's swinging a club essentially, so he can tape the hell out of it without a problem. If it was his plant foot, that would be a problem.

I agree, if it's his plany(left) ankle, he wouldn't go if there was any significant pain or loss of motion, on his right foot, it's not really a big deal that tape couldn't cure.

**RavenDavey** · 12-12-2008, 02:47 PM

seeing what happens in pre game warm ups would let the COACHES do their job and determine if he kicks or not in the game. For Stover to say 'I'm going to play on Sunday" just doesn't make it happen. We pay coaches, trainers, and doctors for this....

**festivus** · 12-12-2008, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by ravenfever_com

I am not worried at all.... Stover will play if he can and will sit if he needs too.

Agree 100%.

In the past, Stover would warm up before the game and go tell the coach what his range is. And with his track record of accuracy, he seems to be able to tell.

I wouldn't worry about this at all. If he can, he will, if he can't, he won't.

**xmradiodave** · 12-12-2008, 03:33 PM

Stover has been at this a long time. He knows what he is capable of. He is not one to risk costing the team a win. If he says he feels fine enough to play, then that is good enough for me.

**UKRavenStockers** · 12-12-2008, 04:12 PM

It might be akin to dead weight, but your kicking ankle does need to be flexible, it moves in your kicking motion and if Stover's struggling with it I'd be far happier to see a fully healthy Hauschka taking kicking duties than a gimped Stover. Hopefully it's nothing serious because in spite of his slow start I'd still trust him to make anything inside 40. However if he's not healthy he's going to be in an awful lot of pain and he won't have the same control and accuracy we're used to. Hopefully it's just a minor sprain and he can get a pain killing shot, tape it up and not notice it.

**Rayvens52** · 12-12-2008, 05:09 PM

Im worried if he plays, he has not been the same this year and then add an injury...yes that concerns me! IMO he should not play.

**Beerracuda** · 12-12-2008, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by xmradiodave

Stover has been at this a long time. He knows what he is capable of. He is not one to risk costing the team a win. If he says he feels fine enough to play, then that is good enough for me.

I totally agree with dave on this one. He's too seasoned of a veteran to try to fake out the coaches and risk losing the game on an important FG.

That being said, I don't think this game is going to be as close as most people think. Not a blowout, but along the lines of 23-13, or some other 10 point margin of victory for the Ravens.