JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 14 (UPI) -- The Jacksonville Jaguars Monday learned that they won't have the services of offensive tackle Maurice Williams for the balance of the 2002 season after he suffered a broken fibula in his right leg in Sunday's 23-14 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
Jaguars Coach Tom Coughlin said in his Monday media briefing that Williams will undergo surgery Wednesday and be placed on injured reserve, ending his season.
Williams, 23, in his second year out of Michigan and had started each of the 21 games in his NFL career, had to be carted off the field late in the first quarter after a play in which he was pass blocking for quarterback Mark Brunell.
The 6-5, 310-pounder was on crutches after the game.
"It's very disappointing, because I've never missed a game or had to go through the whole effect of being injured," Williams said. "It's emotional for me. It's hurting pretty bad. I'm just going to see how fast I can get back. I've never had a broken leg before -- ever."
With Williams out, the Jaguars likely will use six-year veteran Todd Fordham at right tackle.
The veteran veteran quarterback Mark Brunell also was forced to the sideline in Sunday's game with a concussion early in the first quarter. He was replaced by rookie David Garrard from East Carolina.
Coughlin said Brunell is progressing, but would not know anything more on his status until later in the week.
Jacksonville (3-2) plays at Baltimore (2-3) next Sunday.
