Ely’s availability still a question mark

Posted Sep 9, 2010 by Katherine Smith

Updated Sep 9, 2010 at 07:32 PM

Whether Plant starting quarterback Phillip Ely plays against Hillsborough Friday night will be a game-time decision.

Ely has not practiced all week, but was able to run around a little bit during Thursday’s workout, Plant coach Robert Weiner said. After re-aggravating a lower right leg strain he initially sustained in the Aug. 27 loss to Bradenton Manatee, Ely was on crutches and in an air cast over the weekend an on Monday. By Tuesday, he had ditched the crutches, but the plastic cast remained.

If Ely is unable to go Friday night, backup quarterback Nick Sanders, who has spelled Ely at various times this season, would get the start. The Panthers also have two other quarterbacks - Trey Holtz and James Few. Few started in Ely’s place last year while Ely recovered from a stress fracture in his back.

Few has been playing some free safety, but did not dress for last Friday’s game against Tampa Bay Tech because of a hamstring injury.