A stroke didn't keep Tedy Bruschi hospitalized for long. The question now is if it will keep him off the field for the New England Patriots.
The popular 31-year-old linebacker was released yesterday from Massachusetts General Hospital after spending two days there recovering from a mild stroke that caused numbness, blurred vision and severe headaches.
He waved and smiled but didn't comment to reporters as he stepped into a waiting sports utility vehicle and drove off.
Experts say his return to football will depend on the stroke's cause and severity. A mild stroke isn't necessarily career-ending for a professional athlete, but the risk is higher for someone who takes the punishment of an NFL linebacker.
Doctors pointed to Bruschi's quick release from the hospital, along with reports that he was walking and talking normally a day after the stroke, as signs that he may be able to continue his career. Still, his prognosis remains uncertain because all strokes cause some level of brain damage and can raise fears of a recurrence.
Around the league
BUCS: The club signed former Bengals quarterback Akili Smith (Lincoln High, Grossmont College). Smith was the third player selected in the 1999 draft, but only appeared in 22 games – with 17 starts – in four disappointing seasons with Cincinnati.
BROWNS: Mel Tucker, an Ohio State assistant the past four seasons, joined the team as defensive backs coach.
