Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, August 25, 1993 TAG: 9308250065
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BY JIM DUCIBELLA LANDMARK NEWS SERVICE
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Five others - Pro Bowl tackle Jim Lachey, center Matt Elliott, receiver Stephen Hobbs, defensive lineman Tom Fuhler and cornerback Irv Smith - were placed on injured reserve. That officially ended what slim hopes Lachey, recovering from a torn knee ligament, had of playing this season.
To prevent teams from stockpiling healthy players by giving them questionable injuries, players on injured reserve now must miss the entire season.
The Redskins believed they could make Hakel into a pro passer in the mold of Mark Rypien and Cary Conklin, each of whom was unheralded coming out of college.
At 6-2, 230 pounds, Hakel had the physical stature they liked, and they risked a fourth-round pick in 1992 to get him. They knew he needed time, guidance and experience and they were willing to offer it if he showed improvement from last season.
But as happened in the past with Jeff Graham and Tony Robinson, that's where things went wrong.
Hakel's preseason statistics - 4-of-14 passing for 67 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions - helped lead the Redskins to acquire veteran Rich Gannon from the Minnesota Vikings last week.
Among the veterans waived, Terry Hoage, Ravin Caldwell and Sidney Johnson were the biggest names. All had NFL experience as starters.
In addition to Hakel, other offensive players waived were punter Ed Bunn, the team's third-round pick; receiver Carl Harry, Vince Jordan and Michael LeSure, quarterback Chis Cochrane, guard Guy Earl and tight end Yonnie Jackson.
Other defensive players waived were linebacker Jerry Dillon of East Carolina, defensive linemen Ralph Orta and Derek Steele and safety David Gulledge.
Bunn likely will be added to the five-man practice squad next week. Though Kelly Goodburn clearly won the punting job, Redskins coaches were convinced one reason he kicked so well in camp and in limited exhibition-game appearances was the pressure of the competition Bunn provided.
Tuesday's winners included ex-VMI star receiver Mark Stock. A couple more catches against the Steelers gave him the leg up on rookie free agent Gregory Clifton for the fifth receiver's spot.
Ironically, Clifton began his college career at VMI before transferring to Johnson C. Smith. He's become best friends with Stock.
Also breathing a little easier with Hoage out of the pitcure is Pat Eilers, a three-year veteran safety signed as a free agent during the offseason.
by CNB