By JOHN WAWROW, AP Sports Writer
Kevin Everett is showing some movement in both hands
and greater strength in his leg muscles, further positive signs for the
Buffalo Bills tight end following a life-threatening spinal-cord injury.
"Kevin Everett remains medically stable in the
intensive care unit, and continues to make daily improvement in his
neurological status," Bills doctor John Marzo said Monday in a
statement released by the team.
Marzo provided his evaluation after the player was examined Sunday evening by Bills orthopedic surgeon Andrew Cappuccino.
"Kevin demonstrated increased strength in the
muscles of his legs," Marzo said. "In addition, he was able to show
some movement in both hands."
Marzo added that doctors are now beginning to focus on his neurological and muscular system Rehabilitation.
Everett was hurt making a tackle during Buffalo's
season-opening game against Denver on Sept. 9. He arrived at Millard
Fillmore Gates Hospital paralyzed from his neck down, and doctors
feared he would never walk again.
Their prognosis changed dramatically Wednesday when doctors said
Everett had begun wiggling his toes, bending his hip, moving his
ankles, elevating his legs and slightly moving his arms.
By Thursday, Everett slightly — and voluntarily — moved
three fingers on his right hand, something he had previously been
unable to do.