Batch Sidelined for Season
Quarterback Charlie Batch of the Detroit Lions has a compression fracture in his back and will sit out the final two games of the season.
The injury to Batch’s lower back, suffered in Monday night’s 35-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, was detected during an MRI examination.
“The injury will not require surgery, and we expect Charlie to be fully recovered before off-season workouts begin,” Lion Coach Bobby Ross said.
The Lions will start Frank Reich against the Atlanta Falcons today. Scott Mitchell, benched after the Lions’ 0-2 start, will be his backup.
Reich, 36, had announced during the off-season that he would retire, but he came back at the end of training camp at the urging of Ross.
“I don’t have any questions about him being able to execute our game plan,” Ross said.
The Lions on Saturday signed quarterback Chris Dittoe, who was released in training camp when Reich announced he was returning.
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
