Post by DiamondThief on May 26, 2015 19:55:54 GMT -8
May 26 -- Just a week after being named Arena Football League MVP and Russell Athletic Offensive of the Week for week 8, Thunder quarterback Darron Thomas' season is over.
The second-year Thunder signal caller injured his knee early in the second quarter of the Thunder's loss to the Orlando Predators on May 23. The injury, which occurred when Thomas scrambled around the right side and was tackled into the side wall, will require surgery. Thomas was starting in his second game of the season and fifth of his AFL career.
Thomas completed 38 of his 58 pass attempts this season for 374 yards, 11 touchdowns and just one interception. Making his first start of the season on May 16 at home against the Los Angeles KISS, he went 20/31 for 229 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also ran for a score in the first quarter as the Thunder easily disposed of the KISS, 63-47.
Thomas sent the crowd of 10,023 into cheers during opening introductions as he ran on to the field carrying a green University of Oregon jersey. The 6'2" second year Thunder quarterback led the Ducks to the national championship following the 2010 season.
Thunder coach Mike Hohensee said that from his vantage point during the play, it didn't look serious, but Thomas very gingerly limped off the field.
"Just a fluke play," Hohensee told the Portland Tribune. "He scrambled, got hit into the boards, but it didn't look like anything that would hurt him. I think maybe it happened when he planted going into the boards."
Thomas did manage to come out at halftime to sit in the stands and cheer on some AAU players at the Amway Center in Orlando.
Kyle Rowley, who started the Thunder's first six games of the season, will be back under center. On May 25, the Thunder traded for AFL backup Alex Carder from the Jacksonville Sharks. He is expected to back up Rowley.
The Thunder's next game is May 30, at 3 p.m. against the San Jose Sabercats at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter.
- ANM
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