Jaguars move Hanson to IR

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 17 (UPI) -- The Jacksonville Jaguars have transferred punter Chris Hanson to the injured reserve list.

Hanson was injured in a freak accident Oct. 9 when he was taking part in the "keep choppin' wood" motivational theme of Coach Jack Del Rio. He ended up with a huge gash in his right, or kicking leg, for which he has undergone surgery.

Originally, Hanson, lost for the season, was placed on the non-football injury list. They were given permission by the league to move Hanson to IR.

The move means Hanson will be paid his salary for the season, which amounts to $375,000. The team had indicated that it would pay the salary regardless of what the NFL decides.

"We're happy the league made this determination," his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told the Florida Times-Union. "I think it's the right decision and a fair one."

Hanson will wear a boot for at least the next several weeks. Because of the IR designation, he can become an unrestricted free agent in March 2005.