Fire encouraged by recovery of Glenn Robinson

Coach Jim Spavital's prize mongoose is nearly able to walk again, and not a moment too soon for the Chicago Fire, who go after their fifth consecutive victory tomorrow night against Florida in Soldier Field.

Niggling injuries uncover a lack of depth at key positions, and the Fire is looking at a number of players on five-day-trials to help fill the gaps.

All the more reason to cheer the heartening recovery of Glenn Robinson, the 6-7 defensive end felled June 29 in a controlled scrimmage against World Football League rival Detroit.

Robinson limped off the field with a torn ligament in his right knee, underwent surgery that evening, but is confident of dropping his crutches and running again in two weeks.

Trainer Dick Hoover is treating Robinson's knee with pressure exercises and massage to help tear the adhesions.

"If I have a chance to play, and I get a guarantee from Dr. [James] Ryan [Fire's team physician], I'd love to play this season," said Robinson, all All-Big Eight selection at Oklahoma State drafted high by Baltimore.

"I was getting really depressed right after the injury," he said. "Especially in the hospital. I'm not used to sitting around and watching. At the opener here, I go so upset in the stands I nearly got up and left at the half.

"But the guys playing the line now are doing a great job," he added, "and that's good for me, too. I know I'm not going to be handed the job when I return. I'll have to fight for it, no matter what kind of advance notoriety I got.

"I need to prove to myself that I can play pro football, and I don't see myself just walking back and reclaiming the job."