Everett transfer expected

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett could be transferred to a Houston hospital by this weekend to begin the next phase of his rehabilitation, a person close to the family told the Associated Press on Tuesday.

“That’s the plan that probably by the end of the week, if progress remains the same, he’ll be transferred back to Houston,” said the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of Everett’s status.

The person said doctors still are making arrangements to determine which hospital would best suit Everett, who sustained the life-threatening spinal-cord injury Sept. 9 while making a tackle. Everett grew up in Port Arthur, Texas, and now lives in Houston, 90 miles away.

“He’s very excited,” said the person, who added Everett is having lengthy conversations with family, friends and doctors. “He’s just happy to be breathing and able to move his limbs to some degree.”

Dr. Barth Green, chairman of the department of neurological surgery at the University of Miami school of medicine, confirmed discussions to transfer Everett began Monday.

“He’s sitting up and eating and doing rehab,” Green said. “Everything’s exactly how we expected. It’s very positive.”

The Bills, who have been authorized to update Everett’s status, could not be reached for comment.

Initially fearing Everett would never walk again, doctors changed their prognosis when the player moved his toes, ankles, legs and arms a week ago. By Thursday, Everett began moving his fingers.