Houston WR Edwards breaks leg

Oct 29, 2008 - 8:02 PM HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Houston receiver Patrick Edwards underwent surgery Wednesday after breaking his right leg during a freak accident in the third quarter of Tuesday's 37-23 loss at Marshall.

Edwards, the Cougars' leading receiver, banged into band equipment carts at full speed after he ran out of the end zone while trying to catch a long pass. The freshman suffered a compound fracture that will cause him to miss the remainder of the season.

Edwards could not avoid the carts, which were located just a few yards beyond the back of the end zone. During Wednesday's surgical procedure, he had a rod inserted in his lower right leg.

Houston athletic director Dave Maggard questioned why the carts were parked so close to the field of play.

"I don't think there is any question that it is a problem," Maggard told the Houston Chronicle. "We all noticed it, and we want to find out why something like that would occur. It was a serious injury, no question about it."

Marshall athletic director Bob Marcum addressed the issue of the carts Wednesday.

"They have been in that location for two years without incident," he said. "However, due to this incident, the carts will be relocated at future home games."

Marshall coach Mark Snyder and two of his players - senior C.J. Spillman and junior Albert McClellan - visited Edwards in the hospital Wednesday morning.

"We visited with Patrick today and he was in good spirits," Snyder said. "We wanted him to know that he is part of our extended football family and that we are here to help him in any way we can."

Edwards, who finished the year with 46 catches for 634 yards and four touchdowns, is expected to be ready for the start of next season.

"We are sorry the incident took place and wish Patrick a quick and full recovery," Marcum said.