(Sports Network) - Houston Texans wide receiver Harry Williams is expected to walk again after having surgery to fuse together his cervical spine, but his football career is likely over. "Harry Williams is currently in the post-surgical recovery phase at Presbyterian Hospital-Dallas and will remain under observation," said Texans orthopedist Dr. Walter Lowe. "Given the severity and depth of the injury to his neck and spine, it is highly unlikely that Harry will return to football."

Williams was carted off the field on a stretcher following a blow to the head early in the first quarter of a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys last Friday. The injury occurred on the ensuing kickoff after Houston capped the opening drive with a 44-yard field goal by Kris Brown. Williams was attempting to tackle Dallas' Isaiah Stanback when he slid off the runner and collided with teammate Nick Ferguson.

The special teams standout lay face-down on the field and medical personnel immediately called for a stretcher. The game was delayed nearly 10 minutes while they tended to Williams.

Later, he was diagnosed with a fracture of the C3 vertebra.

"Harry was fixing to be a big part of this team and have a chance in his career that he had really earned," said Texans head coach Gary Kubiak. "To go out there on that field and see that kid laying there and what he went through, I think it's just the reality of how tough this game is and what can happen to you on any given play. I just thank the good lord that the kid is going to be fine."

Williams was originally selected by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2005 draft. He has appeared in three career games with the Jets and Texans.

To take his roster spot, the team signed fullback Jon Abbate, who was signed by the team as an undrafted free agent in May 2007 and spent last season on injured reserve after breaking his right ankle in an exhibition game. The Texans re-signed him in February and cut him in July.



Copyright 2008 The Sports Network
All rights reserved