Cyst Has Gators Worried About QB

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

April 24, 1998 / 9:26 PM EDT / CBS Sportsline

A small cyst has been found in the shoulder of Florida quarterback Doug Johnson, raising questions about his ability to play next season.

Johnson, who underwent a second MRI test Tuesday, is to be examined next week by renowned orthopedist James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., The Orlando Sentinel reported Friday.

"Right now, we really don't know as much as we will see Monday when Dr. Andrews sees me," Johnson said."The people at Florida and the Devil Rays want me to get it checked out."

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound junior was scheduled to report for his summer baseball commitment with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays organization in two weeks. Doctors for both the Gators and the Devil Rays believe the cyst developed through long-term use of his arm.

"He's going to get a second opinion, and he should," said Florida coach Steve Spurrier."Right now, it's too soon to make any sort of conjectures."

Johnson, who started seven games for the Gators last season, injured his shoulder during Florida's 21-6 win over Penn State in the CompUSA Florida Citrus Bowl.

If Johnson undergoes surgery, the Florida quarterback job would fall to Jesse Palmer, a sophomore. He played sparingly in 1997, completing 21 of 38 passes for 291 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions.