Facing Possible Knee Surgery, Henderson Deals With Injuries

Maryland inside linebacker Erin Henderson has spent most of his season living up to the all-American hype, playing well despite numerous health issues. But after nearly two months of fighting through, Henderson's injuries are catching up to him.

Henderson, the ACC's leading tackler, managed just four stops against Florida State last Saturday. His mobility has been limited by severe back spasms that stem from an injury suffered against North Carolina three weeks ago.

"It's tough," said Henderson, who has missed just one game because of injury this season. "I'm still seeing everything the same way I saw them before. I'm still able to diagnose plays the same I way I was able to diagnose them before. But every now and again I don't have that burst to go get that tackle, or that burst to go make that play that I'm used to making."

Though he recovered a fumble against the Seminoles -- and moved better than he has since his latest injury -- Henderson still needed help from teammates to get up off the turf.

Coach Ralph Friedgen said some of the drop-off has been because of a lack of practice time. Henderson hasn't worked out with his team for at least three weeks.

"It's hard to go out there and play if you haven't practiced and experienced the things you're going to see," Friedgen said.

Henderson is scheduled to undergo a MRI exam on his left knee on Monday to determine whether he needs arthroscopic surgery. He said the Terrapins' bowl fate will determine when, if necessary, he undergoes surgery.

Still, Henderson is expected to play against North Carolina State on Saturday, a game the Terrapins (5-6) must win to reach a bowl game.

To stay in good enough health to play in recent weeks, Henderson has undergone additional treatment. On Mondays, Henderson spends nearly two hours with a chiropractor. On Tuesdays, he visits a deep-tissue massage therapist. On Wednesdays, he has another session with the chiropractor.

"I'm continuing to get better and that's all I can really ask for," he said.

Meantime, there are questions as to whether he will remain a Terrapin next season.

Though he is a junior, Henderson graduates in December. He is regarded as an NFL-caliber talent, though he declined to talk about the decision.

"I'll deal with that when it comes," he said. "I just really want to go out there and win on Saturday and send the seniors out on a good note and send them out the right way. After the season, I'll talk about all that stuff and deal with all that. But right now I'm just worried about winning against N.C. State."

Injury Update

Running back Lance Ball (knee) and safety Christian Varner (knee) practiced yesterday. Both are likely to play Saturday. Friedgen said guard Andrew Crummey is close to making a return from a broken fibula. Crummey had hoped to play last week, but wasn't ready.

"I think he has a chance" to play this week, Friedgen said. "I'm hoping he's better today. He practiced a little bit more than he did last week, so maybe we'll have a chance to get him back."

Fellow linemen Scott Burley and Bruce Campbell are dealing with ankle injuries, but both practiced yesterday.

Final Sendoff?

In recent years, it has become tradition at Maryland for seniors to be carried off the field after their final practice. Because Saturday's game against North Carolina State could be the Terrapins' last game, Henderson said the seniors will be carried off the field after practice today. . . . Friedgen said only players listed on the two-deep roster -- along with eight to 10 others -- will be required to participate in a light practice tomorrow morning.