BALTIMORE (Oct. 10, 2006) -- The Baltimore Ravens ' team plane made an unscheduled landing early Oct. 10 in Pittsburgh so cornerback Corey Ivy could go to a hospital to treat a kidney injury.
Ivy was in stable condition at UPMC-Presbyterian hospital, where he was expected to stay at least through Oc.t 11 for testing, observation and examination by renal specialists, according to a team statement. Ravens spokesman Chad Steele described the injury as a kidney tear.
"He's comfortable," Ravens coach Brian Billick said at the team's headquarters. "First and foremost, he apparently is OK. They have to go through a series of tests to find out the extent of what they need to do, and then what that will do in terms of a timeframe for him."
Ivy was hurt in Oct. 9 at Denver when he was hit during a punt return in the third quarter. After being evaluated on the sideline, he returned to play.
"They thought it was a rib injury, and he felt pretty good. He went back in, as Corey would. He's a tough young man," Billick said. "Fortunately, it didn't create further problems."
Ivy was examined after the game and had X-rays taken, said the Ravens' head physician, Dr. Andrew M. Tucker.
"His status changed during the flight when his discomfort became more significant," Tucker said in a statement. "Although he was stable, we decided that we should get him to a hospital, where more sophisticated testing could be given, sooner rather than later."
The plane landed about 4 a.m. and Ivy and Tucker went to the hospital.
"The doctors had enough of a concern -- obviously erring on the side of caution -- to suggest we get Corey on the ground as quickly as possible," Billick said. "There was a situation, they reacted immediately in the best interest of the player, and it went like clockwork. The system works, so to speak."
The plane resumed its trip to Baltimore with the rest of the team, landing there about 5:45 a.m.
The 29-year-old Ivy signed a three-year contract with the Ravens in March. He has also played for St. Louis and Tampa Bay.
