TORONTO -- The Toronto Argonauts had some good news Friday regarding defensive back Jermaine Gabriel.
The CFL club said Gabriel was expected to make a full recovery from the scary injury he suffered in Thursday night's season-opening 42-20 home loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Gabriel suffered an apparent neck injury after taking teammate Matt Black's shoulder to the head while making a tackle on punt-returner Brandon Banks in the fourth quarter.
The 26-year-old Toronto native laid motionless on the field for several minutes after the play. Medical personnel removed Gabriel's jersey, helmet and shoulder pads and he was fitted with a neck brace as a precaution before being placed on a stretcher.
As he was leaving the field, the five-foot-nine 185-pound Gabriel gave the BMO Field gathering of 24,812 the thumbs-up and waved, drawing applause from spectators.
"The Toronto Argonauts Football Club is pleased to inform that safety Jermaine Gabriel is at home resting comfortably and is expected to make a full recovery from an injury he suffered in last night's game," the club said in a statement. "Gabriel received precautionary treatment on the field by the Argonauts' medical staff which was followed by treatment and tests at a local hospital.
"Gabriel has been cleared from any major injuries."
The team did not provide details on specifics of the injury.
There was no update provided on Argos receiver Kevin Elliott, who suffered an apparent shoulder injury in the contest.
