DT Darby to Miss Rest of 2007 Season

Hawks DT Chuck Darby will miss the rest of the season after tearing his patella tendon in his right knee in Sunday night’s loss to the New Orleans Saints.  “There is a toll,” coach Mike Holmgren said on first losing fullback Mack Strong and now Darby. “Both Mack and Chuck were absolute leaders of the offense and the defense — high-effort, high-character guys.”

The spot of Darby will be taken by rookie Brandon Mebane, who was the teams third round pick fom Cal.  Mebane has done well in spot duty at the tackle position, and will have to play even better now that he will be in there full-time.  Mebane is 6-foot-1, 314 pounds, slightly bigger than Darby who was 6-foot, 290.  Darby through the first six games had 12 tackles.