Pardon the Buffalo Bills if they feel a bit snake-bitten at tight end.
With veteran tight ends Mark Campbell and Tim Euhus still rehabilitating from offseason knee surgeries, the youngster selected in the 2005 draft to provide some insurance at the position, third-round choice Kevin Everett, could miss his entire rookie season with a knee injury sustained over the weekend.
ESPN.com confirmed that Everett tore the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee in a Friday practice. The former University of Miami standout is expected to undergo surgery later this week, possibly as early as Wednesday. Team officials and Everett's agent, Brian Overstreet, are discussing which surgeon will perform the procedure.
A Bills' official said it is premature to assume Everett would miss the entire season and that the team remains hopeful that he could participate in 2005. But given the typical recovery time for such injuries, the Bills will almost certainly, at some point before the season, place Everett, the 86th prospect chosen overall in the draft, on injured reserve.
"It's a setback, no doubt, but Kevin will overcome this," Overstreet said. "He still has a very bright future in the league. And the Bills people have been terrific with him. He is still a big part of their plans."
Typical of most rookies, who have not yet agreed to contracts when they report to NFL minicamps, Everett signed an agreement that protected him against an injury during the weekend workouts. Overstreet said he is confident the Bills will still negotiate a market value contract for his client. The 86th player chosen in 2004 signed a three-year contract that included a $458,000 signing bonus and minimum base salaries.
The injury occurred when Everett made a reception, and then turned to cut upfield, with his foot apparently catching in the turf. He crumpled to the ground and was subsequently removed from the field in a cart. The team announced that Everett suffered a twisted knee and coach Mike Mularkey said the Bills would wait until swelling subsided before making a more detailed diagnosis.
An MRI exam, however, revealed the torn ligament, confirming the club's worst fears. Prior to the injury, Everett had been impressive during the practice.
Everett, 23, played two seasons at Miami after transferring to the Hurricanes following two seasons at Kilgore (Tex.) Community College. He posted 23 catches for 310 yards in 2004, his lone season as a starter, but was regarded as one of the top all-around athletes in this year's draft pool.
The injury is not only a setback to Everett but also to the Bills, who hope that Campbell and Euhus will be recovered in time for the start of camp.
