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Topic subjectSpecs on Zoom's surgery
Topic URLhttp://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=21&topic_id=29305&mesg_id=29499
29499, Specs on Zoom's surgery
Posted by LiquidDope, Wed Aug-03-05 04:02 AM
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-050802bearsside,1,6151431.story?coll=cs-home-headlines

Hip surgery is likely for Azumah
Defensive back may miss 3 weeks
By K.C. Johnson
Tribune staff reporter

August 2, 2005, 11:37 PM CDT


BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- Jerry Azumah visited a Denver specialist Tuesday who has recommended surgery for a degenerative condition in the starting cornerback's hip.

Azumah almost certainly will undergo arthroscopic surgery and could miss as much as the next three weeks. The Bears, who open the regular season Sept. 11 at Washington, are expected to comment on the situation Wednesday.

It's the second straight Aug. 2 in which Azumah has visited a specialist. Last year, Azumah flew to Pittsburgh for tests on a neck injury that eventually required surgery and forced him to miss the first four games.

This year, soreness in Azumah's hips prompted team physician Mark Bowen to recommend the specialist after rest didn't cure the condition. Azumah, a Pro Bowl kick returner in 2003, has missed five of the last six practices.

"It's something that has been there for a while," Smith said. "There wasn't one incident that caused it to happen. He has had soreness throughout."

With Charles Tillman resting a sore leg for the latter part of Tuesday's practice, Nathan Vasher, Todd McMillon, Jerrell Pippins and Rashied Davis took snaps at cornerback.

Vasher is the projected starter if Azumah, who is entering a contract year, is sidelined for any substantial time.

Receiver Bernard Berrian, already returning punts, is likely to add kick return responsibilities in the same scenario. Davis and receivers Mark Bradley and Eddie Berlin also would receive consideration.

"Jerry's just at such a high level that you really want him back," special teams coordinator Dave Toub said. "I talked to him and he said he'd be fine for the season."

The Bears want to avoid losing Azumah for a long period, especially because depth at cornerback was a question mark entering the season. Pippens and Davis have performed well thus far in camp, though.

"We're concerned," Smith said. "Jerry is a Pro Bowl player. We need him out there as quick as we can."