For one day, at least, the controversy surrounding the Syracuse football team’s quarterback competition was laid to rest.

Perry Patterson, a redshirt freshman quarterback, sat out spring practice yesterday after injuring his right knee.

Patterson dressed and wore pads, but about 20 minutes into practice, trainers began examining his knee. As the team stretched, Patterson headed for the bench. Trainers asked if he felt OK, but Patterson said his knee was bothering him.

Trainers slipped a brace on Patterson’s leg, and he tested the knee by dropping back and planting. Since Patterson is left-handed, the injury is on his non-planting foot. Still, he felt discomfort, and trainers applied two bags of ice to his knee.

‘He banged it a bit, and he got it a little bit swollen,’ SU head coach Paul Pasqualoni said. ‘I’d be surprised if it were anything serious.’

After sitting for about 20 minutes, Patterson limped upfield, where the other quarterbacks were partaking in drills, and watched from the side.

Since senior quarterback R.J. Anderson arrived late because of classes, Patterson’s absence left SU practicing with sophomore Xzavier Gaines and two walk-ons at quarterback.

‘Every rep that Perry misses hurts his chances (to become the starter),’ offensive coordinator George DeLeone said. ‘We have no problem with Perry playing, provided he’s ready.’

Gaines, considered SU’s No. 3 quarterback, worked with the first unit despite having missed practice last week while traveling with the SU men’s basketball team to New Orleans.

‘I talked to him about that,’ Anderson said. ‘It’s a great experience when you win a championship, because that puts you in a positive mind-set. It’s always good to have that on a team.’

Hurting

Injuries plagued more than just Patterson yesterday. Fullback Thump Belton has yet to take part in drills, and wide receiver Johnnie Morant didn’t wear pads because of a left-shoulder injury.

Like Patterson, Belton and Morant stalked teammates around the field.

‘It’s a little thigh strain,’ said Belton, who wore a Velcro pad on his left leg. ‘It’s just something we have to be cautious with.

‘I’m not sure when I’ll be back. It’s a day-by-day, week-by-week thing. Right now, I feel fine. And I know by the time Sept. 6 (the beginning of the season) rolls around, you’re gonna forget I was ever hurt.’

Morant expects to return Wednesday.

This and that

Former fullback Chris Davis showed up yesterday about one hour before practice began. He wore a T-shirt which read NFL Draft 2003. At the NFL Combine in February, Davis interviewed with the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers. … SU’s offense lined up against the defense for about 25 plays yesterday. The highlight was a Steve Gregory interception return for a touchdown. … At one point yesterday, offensive tackle Adam Terry needed assistance off the field. Trainers worked on his left leg for about five minutes, and he returned. … Pasqualoni to wide receiver Jared Jones, who is out with an injury: ‘How long have you been out for now? Huh? Well, you just better pray something shows up on that MRI.’

Published on April 14, 2003 at 12:00 pm