The San Diego Fleet suffered a massive injury during Week Four’s action. Starting quarterback Philip Nelson suffered a shoulder injury midway through the eventual loss, and head coach Mike Martz gave the worst news possible. According to the coach, Nelson suffered a fractured clavicle and will miss the next four to six weeks. Michael Bercovici will start in his place.
Coach Mike Martz says @phil_nelson9 is out 4-6 weeks with a fractured clavicle. @MikeBerco will start on Saturday.
— San Diego Fleet (@AAFFleet) March 4, 2019
AAF Injury Update: Philip Nelson Out Four to Six Weeks
Nelson suffered the injury midway through the first half of San Diego’s eventual 26-23 loss. During his limited time, Nelson completed nine of his 12 pass attempts for 110 yards and a touchdown. This performance added to a successful season in which Nelson completed 58.4% of his passes for 513 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Nelson started the season as the Fleet’s primary backup but earned the starting job midway through Week One. With Nelson now sidelined, the original starter Michael Bercovici will take over under center. During his lone start, Bercovici completed just 15 of his 25 pass attempts for 176 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. It’s worth noting that Alex Ross came in relief on Philip Nelson in Week Four, so Bercovici may not have a long leash. While under center in Week Four, Ross completed eight of his 18 pass attempts for 80 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Nelson’s injury will sideline him for almost two months, but the quarterback could still return later in the season. San Diego still has six games left in their regular season schedule, which gives Nelson a chance at a late-season return. Additionally, Nelson could return for the postseason. The top two teams from each conference face off in two rounds, and Nelson should be healthy by the time the postseason begins.
The San Deigo Fleet take on the 1-3 Salt Lake Stallions in Week Four. Salt Lake is coming off a disheartening 20-11 loss to the undefeated Orlando Apollos.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
