ARGOS PROVIDE UPDATE ON JERMAINE GABRIEL

TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts had some good news Friday regarding defensive back Jermaine Gabriel.

The CFL club said Gabriel was expected to make a full recovery from the scary injury he suffered in Thursday night’s season-opening 42-20 home loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Gabriel suffered an apparent neck injury after taking teammate Matt Black’s shoulder to the head while making a tackle on punt-returner Brandon Banks in the fourth quarter.

The 26-year-old Toronto native laid motionless on the field for several minutes after the play.

Medical personnel removed Gabriel’s jersey, helmet and shoulder pads and he was fitted with a neck brace as a precaution before being placed on a stretcher.

As he was leaving the field, the five-foot-nine 185-pound Gabriel gave the BMO Field gathering of 24,812 the thumbs-up and waved, drawing applause from spectators.

“The Toronto Argonauts Football Club is pleased to inform that safety Jermaine Gabriel is at home resting comfortably and is expected to make a full recovery from an injury he suffered in last night’s game,” the club said in a statement. “Gabriel received precautionary treatment on the field by the Argonauts’ medical staff which was followed by treatment and tests at a local hospital.

“Gabriel has been cleared from any major injuries.”

(The Canadian Press)