Klatt won't start, probably won't play in bowl
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Colorado quarterback Joel Klatt was still dizzy and hurting from a concussion three weeks ago, so James Cox will start in his place in the Champs Sports Bowl against Clemson.
As of Friday, Klatt had still not been cleared to practice by team doctors. He suffered a severe concussion in the third quarter of the Big 12 Championship against Texas on Dec. 3, when he was hit in the chin by the helmet of linebacker Drew Kelson.
Klatt was hospitalized overnight after the hit.
"His symptoms are getting better, but he still hasn't been cleared," Colorado interim head coach Mike Hankwitz said. "If he does get clearance from the doctors and trainers, we'll have him available for spot duty."
Hankwitz said he doubted Klatt would play in Tuesday's game if he doesn't get medically cleared within the next two days or doesn't get to practice.
"It's not something that I wanted to hear, but I am going to go with whatever the doctors and trainers say first," Klatt said about not starting. "The timing of it is such that I haven't been able to practice and so the coaches have to do what's best for the team."
Cox made his only career start in 2004 against Iowa State.
"We have a lot of confidence in James," wide receiver Dusty Sprague said.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Colorado quarterback Joel Klatt was still dizzy and hurting from a concussion three weeks ago, so James Cox will start in his place in the Champs Sports Bowl against Clemson.
As of Friday, Klatt had still not been cleared to practice by team doctors. He suffered a severe concussion in the third quarter of the Big 12 Championship against Texas on Dec. 3, when he was hit in the chin by the helmet of linebacker Drew Kelson.
Klatt was hospitalized overnight after the hit.
"His symptoms are getting better, but he still hasn't been cleared," Colorado interim head coach Mike Hankwitz said. "If he does get clearance from the doctors and trainers, we'll have him available for spot duty."
Hankwitz said he doubted Klatt would play in Tuesday's game if he doesn't get medically cleared within the next two days or doesn't get to practice.
"It's not something that I wanted to hear, but I am going to go with whatever the doctors and trainers say first," Klatt said about not starting. "The timing of it is such that I haven't been able to practice and so the coaches have to do what's best for the team."
Cox made his only career start in 2004 against Iowa State.
"We have a lot of confidence in James," wide receiver Dusty Sprague said.
