NFL
Not Shipp shape: Cardinals RB breaks leg
By The Source
Aug 7, 2004

Tempe, AZ (Sports Network) - Arizona Cardinals running back Marcel Shipp will be sidelined for almost two months with a broken left leg. Additional x-rays taken revealed a broken fibula.

The loss of Shipp will be costly for the Cardinals after the Massachusetts product led the team in rushing last season with 830 yards. Shipp suffered the setback during an intrasquad scrimmage Friday night.

Shipp, who appeared to have injured his ankle, was pinned underneath a pile during a running play. He caught his foot on the artificial turf in Northern Arizona University's Skydome. The young back had to be carted off the field.

According to a team official, the Paterson, NJ native will have a plate and screws inserted into the leg in a few days to stabilize the break. Shipp also could undergo additional surgery to add pins.

With the injury, Emmitt Smith, the league's all-time rushing leader, will likely take over a larger role in the backfield. Arizona also has running backs Damien Anderson and Josh Scobey.