Everett to Remain Sedated in Intensive Care While Doctors Try to Determine Extent of Spine Injury

Kevin Everett, a reserve tight end for the Buffalo Bills, is to remain sedated in the intensive care unit of a Buffalo hospital for another day or two while his doctors try to determine the severity of the spinal cord injury that Everett suffered during Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos, according to his representatives.

Everett underwent surgery at Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital after suffering what Bills officials called a cervical spine injury on a collision during a kickoff in the Broncos' triumph Sunday in Buffalo. Doctors reportedly removed bone chips during the surgery.

Eric Armstead, a partner of Everett's agent, Brian Overstreet, told the Associated Press today that Everett was to be sedated for 24 to 48 hours and "we won't know more until then." Armstead and Overstreet indicated that doctors felt the surgery went well but it was too soon to know if Everett would ever walk or play football again. Overstreet told the NFL Network today that Everett's doctors were "guardedly optimistic." The agent told the AP late Sunday night that Everett had some "sparse movement."

Everett's mother and other family members were scheduled to travel to Buffalo from their home in Houston and join him today.

Everett was injured when he drove his helmet into the shoulder and side of the helmet of the Broncos' Domenik Hixon on a second-half kickoff. The game was stopped for 15 minutes while members of the Bills' medical staff treated Everett, immobilizing his head and placing him on a backboard to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance.

Everett, 25, played all 16 games for the Bills last season and had one catch after being sidelined for his entire rookie season in 2005 because of a knee injury. He was a third-round draft pick by the Bills that year out of the University of Miami.

By Mark Maske |  September 10, 2007; 2:57 PM ET  | Category:  Bills
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