Greene OK, but not practicing
Georgia quarterback forced to wear brace on right knee

By Anthony Dasher
anthony.dasher@onlineathens.com

Quarterback David Greene thought the worst after being helped up from the Tiger Stadium turf during the third quarter of Saturday's 17-10 loss to LSU.
So did the Bulldog Nation.
Greene clutched his right knee in pain after a LSU player rolled into him as he was planting to throw. The injury appeared serious.
But after a quick trip to the lockerroom, Greene missed only two series and was back on the field. An MRI showed the knee was only hyperextended, and he should be on the field when the Bulldogs host Alabama on Oct. 4.
"I didn't know what to think at the time. I've never injured my knee before," Greene said. "I did feel a pop and it scared me more than anything. It wasn't so much like an extraordinary pain, but at that point you always think of the worse. But once I stood up, I felt that my knee was stable. I felt a lot better."
Greene didn't practice Tuesday, and coach Mark Richt said he will probably be held out of any workouts until Monday.
Greene said he's not concerned about the layoff affecting his preparation for next week's game against the Crimson Tide.
"We practice so much all the time, but I'm glad we've got a whole extra week so I can get that rhythm back if I were to lose it at all," Greene said. "I don't think it's going to be a problem."
Greene added he will wear a brace on his knee to allow the injury to heal and to keep further damage from taking place.
"I'll have to wear one for a little while," Greene said. "It's not going to be like a lineman's brace, it's going to be lighter, and probably a little smaller. I'm not really worried. I know it's not going to be the most comfortable thing in the world, but I'm sure I'll get used to it."

While Greene recoups, backup D.J. Shockley will work the first-team offense like he did Tuesday afternoon. Former Athens Academy standout Joe Tereshinski will run the second-team offense.
"D.J. looked good running the first team, he made some good plays, looked very comfortable," Richt said. "Joe made some good throws too."
Meanwhile, Greene said he plans on taking advantage of the extra week to make sure his injury heals sufficiently.
"It's a little sore, but there's no need to rush it," Greene said. "I'll give it a chance to heal. But you know, it feels good. It hurts a little bit when I try to bend it all the way, but other than that I'm fine."

Alabama at Georgia
Oct. 4, 3:30 p.m.
TV: CBS; Radio: 960-AM/1340-AM/106.1-FM


Published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Wednesday, September 24, 2003.