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www.upi.com] UPI ARCHIVES DEC. 7, 1983
Los Angeles safety Kirk Collins, who had five interceptions...
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Los Angeles safety Kirk Collins, who had five interceptions in four games this season before being sidelined with a groin injury, has a tumor in his throat and is undergoing chemotherapy treatment, the Rams said Wednesday.
Doctors said they recently discovered the small tumor in Collins' esophagus and immediately began chemical treatment.
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They said the prognosis appears good, but it will be four to six months before a significant assessment can be made.
'At this point everyone concerned anticipates a complete recovery,' said Rams' spokesman Pete Donovan. 'At this time Kirk does not wish to comment on his condition except to say he feels good and is very optimistic of returning to the Rams next season.'
Collins, 25, the Rams' seventh-round draft pick out of Baylor in 1980, earned a starting position this season. His five interceptions still leads the Rams 13 weeks into the season.
Collins suffered a groin injury Sept. 25 against the New York Jets. It was during a physical examination later that week that an obstruction was discovered in his throat and he was placed on the inactive list.
