Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2009

Former star receiver Thomas ready to rejoin team

By Ben Reynolds, Herald staff writer

J.R. Thomas said he was going to play in the arenafootball2 league this season. If Tuesday was any indication, he might stay true to his word. It has just taken a little while.

The former Tri-Cities Fever star receiver could become the team's star receiver again, practicing with the team for the first time.

"He looked pretty good," said Fever coach Pat O'Hara.

O'Hara said that Thomas was at practice testing out his legs and endurance to see where he is with his conditioning. No decision has been made whether Thomas will join the Fever (1-10) for the rest of the season at this point. Right now he is on a two-day contract.

Thomas, who earlier this year was named one of the top 10 receivers in af2 history, had 97 catches for 1,299 yards and a team-high 29 touchdowns last season for a Fever team that went 4-12.

Thomas, the 2004 af2 rookie of the year, had the best season of his career in 2007 for the Fever, catching more than 130 passes for more than 1,800 yards.

Thomas would be a welcome addition to the Fever's offense and injury-depleted receiving corps.

The Fever ranks last in the league in nearly every offensive category and has six receivers questionable for Saturday's game at top-ranked Spokane (10-0).

Kameron Kranz, who was injured in the second quarter last Saturday against Boise, is scheduled for an MRI this week and is not expected to play.

Tremayne Kirkland, the team's leading receiver, is also in doubt with a hamstring injury, as is Chris Hemphill (knee).

Both have missed the last two games.

Ray Little is also a question mark with a hip injury he suffered last Saturday night.

Emery Beckles and Finas Rabb are listed as day-to-day but are expected to play.

The Fever got a bit of good news Tuesday when Colin Drafts decided to return to the Fever after all. Drafts, who played in two games for the Fever in 2007, originally was not going to report to the team after being released by Amarillo earlier this season. But he had a change of heart and is expected to be at practice today. His status for Saturday's game is uncertain.

To make room for Drafts on the roster, the Fever released quarterback Ryan Porter.

Porter, who led the Fever to its only win this season, completed 48 of 98 passes for 486 yards in four games. He threw 10 touchdowns and five interceptions.