The Columbus Crew announced today that goalkeeper Jonny Walker has been placed on the season-ending injured reserve due to a lower back injury.
Walker suffered an anular tear in the L5/S1 lumbar disc in his lower back last November while in Columbus for the Crew mini-camp.</p>
"I am very disappointed that I am unable to play for the Crew this season," said Walker. "The medical staff has done an outstanding job, trying everything possible to heal the anular tear and other damage to the disc in my back. Unfortunately, the recuperation will take longer than expected. Right now I am focusing on next season."</p>
Walker is the second Crew player to be placed on the season-ending injured reserve. Rookie defender Jed Zayner tore his left ACL on April 4 and is also out for the year.</p>
"Obviously it is with great disappointment that Jonny Walker will not be able to play this season," said Schmid. "He was a valuable player for The Crew last season when he replaced Jon Busch."</p>
