Still hurting from hit, Hilliard could miss games

The hit that knocked Ike Hilliard unconscious Oct. 19 could force him to miss some games and threatens to end his season.

Hilliard, 32, still is experiencing headaches from the helmet-to-helmet blow he sustained when he was sandwiched between Seattle linebackers Leroy Hill and Lofa Tatupu nearly four weeks ago.

Hilliard has not missed a game since but said his condition has not improved and worried earlier this week he might need surgery.

As a rookie with the Giants in 1997, Hilliard underwent spinal fusion surgery, so the latest injury is particularly worrisome. But after consulting with doctors Tuesday, Hilliard has decided to rehab the injury and is expected to miss Sunday's game against the Vikings.

"I've been dealing with something on and off for the last five years, but now it's constant,'' Hilliard said. "Obviously, after the hit, it's something I've got to get control of.''

Hill was not fined for the hit because the league determined Hilliard had established himself as a runner. Hilliard has 33 catches for 281 yards and three touchdowns this season. Against Kansas City, he tied a season high with six catches for 55 yards.

Hilliard beat some tall odds to return to the NFL. As a rookie, he took a hard hit from behind in a game against Jacksonville that snapped his head forward. Doctors fused the sixth and seventh vertebrae in Hilliard's neck.

According to MayoClinic.com, about 20 percent of people who receive spinal fusion surgery need another operation within 11 years.

"I saw three specialists. Two told me I could play again and one told me I should never step on a football field again,'' Hilliard said of his injury with the Giants. ""I had to deal with that. It's a decision you make. My mon, God bless her, I miss her, she was a spiritually-grounded woman. She was one who really didn't want me to play but she turned it over for me and we all have to turn it over at some point if you believe in something.''

          

Comments

[RR]

Ike, Godspeed to you. You've been clutch and key to the offense we do have here in Tampa since your arrival. I wish you a quick recovery and peace in making the ultimate difficult decision it appears you may soon have to make yet again. Thanks for all you've done!!!

[Donovan]

I went to UF the same years Hilliard attended and always hoped the best for him wherever he played. I think I like the player more than the team (my BUCS), and if your head ain't right, then Ike, I hope you take a long hard look to see if its really worth playing on.
You have been one of the most reliable and dependable receivers in the NFL, and I'd rather remember you for that then the guy who took too many concussions sustaining hits. You know the BUCS quarterbacks are always going to throw to you in third down situations across the middle and put your neck (and head) on the line. It may be time to smile as you look back on your career and retire after this season my friend. Good luck.

[Mike J]

"....established himself as a runner"?? What the heck is THAT supposed to mean??
"...was a Buc" is more like it.

[Jay in Lake Mary]

GET WELL SOON IKE !!!!

[CW]

I thought it was strange that he was back on the field and even returning punts for the past couple games. I figured he'd be out for a good stretch after the hit from Seattle. He's definitely going to be missed. Get well, Ike!!

[skp]

hilliard hurt, stovall on IR. thank goodness bryant and clayton have started to establish themselves and galloway might finally be healthy.

some of our preseason studs like brian clark and chad lucas might see some action, not necessarily a bad thing as we need to plan for life afer ike and joey...it's a shame our 2nd-round pick isn't an NFL-caliber player yet and may never be, this would've been his time to shine.

[skp]

Mike J, i think you misread.

"....established himself as a runner" as in he was not a defenseless receiver on the play at the time he was hit.

[G. Michael Reynolds]

This one hurts. How many drives and games have been saved because it was "Third and Ike?" Here's hoping Clayton and Bryant can fill his shoes in that dept.

[Mike J]

Skp, I meant that since when in this Brave New World of NFL fouls & fines has it been OK to hit a runner hat-to-hat???

A new one on me, & I read all these fine write-ups closely.

[nick]

Ike Hilliard was simply the best of three of the best receivers in college football history...and Im by no means a Gator fan, but anyone who remembers that 96 offense, Im going to watch a game tonight from back then to recall!
You were CLUTCH here for us on 3rd down. You kept many a drives, and many a wins, alive for Tampa Bay.
Thank You, bless you, and I wish you well and hope you make the right decision. You will be missed/welcomed here any way you look at it!

[McGz]

So he still has headaches? Don't they have tests they have to go through before they can be cleared to play. Is it his back or his head?

I also thought helmet to helmet hits always warranted a fine, or maybe that's just on the quarterbacks...what a joke Goodell is.

[JK]

I'm waiting for someone to blame it all on Coach Gruden. Where are you DR?

[DR]

JK, you just support you and your kiss up Gruden buddies how stupid you all are. It's obvious this has nothing to do with Gruden.
For Hilliards sake, he has already proven how tough he is playing through what he did. It's not worth risking a lifetime of being handicapped for a game.

[Thomas]

You have been a great player Ike. I hope you get well soon. All of us Bucs fans know how the Bucs need you. God be with you.