Panthers' fullback Hoover suffers ankle sprain

By Darin Gantt - daringantt@carolina.rr.com

CHARLOTTE -- The Carolina Panthers likely will be without Brad Hoover for a few weeks after the venerable fullback suffered a high ankle sprain at Arizona this past Sunday.

Hoover said after the game he was surprised when X-rays revealed his right ankle wasn't broken, but a source with knowledge of the situation said Tuesday that he was expected to be out several games.

High ankle sprains can keep guys out from two to three weeks to much longer, depending on their severity. Running back DeAngelo Williams missed a month with the same thing in 2006 (three games and the bye week). The injury occurs when the ligaments that hold the lower leg bones together are stretched, as opposed to some of the simple rolls that are classified ankle sprains.

The move comes at a bad time for the Panthers, since they're going to need their running game at New Orleans next week. Hoover's only recently begun to get the acclaim as one of the league's top lead-blockers, and his presence clearly helps DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.

It's of more concern because of the uncertain status of backup Tony Fiammetta, who left last week's game with a concussion.

The Panthers are expected to at least make a practice squad move today to add a fullback.

Depending on Fiammetta's availability for practice, they'd need another body just to get their normal work in.

They didn't work out any players Tuesday, but something could still be done before this morning's practice.