*** DOLPHINS NEWS ***

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Jul 30, 1996: -- Barnett To Have More Surgery --

According to a report on the Sportswire and on ESPN, WR Fred Barnett has been diagnosed as having torn the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in his right knee. He will have reconstructive surgery on Monday to repair the damage.

The surgery will almost certainly keep Barnett out of the lineup for the rest of the season. In all likelihood, the Dolphins will place Barnett on injured reserve, since it will take 6 to 9 months for him to heal completely.

My Comments:

It was a short season for Barnett, who showed promise as the replacement for Irving Fryar. It could prove to be a serious blow to the offense, or it could be an opportunity for Randal Hill and Charles Jordan to step forward and assert themselves.

Personally, I don't think that this injury makes much difference to the team. I think that Hill and Jordan can fill his shoes well enough. The key on offense this year will be the ability of the offense to run the ball. If they can't do that to some greater degree than they have in the past, then Jerry Rice and Michael Irvin together won't help.

Related Info:

Sportsline USA:

Dolphins Barnett Slated For Reconstructive Surgery