Swinging an Ax Is Costly for Hanson

Jacksonville punter Chris Hanson will be sidelined the rest of the season after gashing his leg with an ax while chopping a log in the Jaguar locker room Thursday in what was supposed to be a motivational stunt. He was put on the reserve list for non-football injuries Friday.

Unlike players who are put on injured reserve, those on the non-football list don’t have to be paid by their teams. But the Jaguars said they will give Hanson his $375,000 salary.

Hanson needed emergency surgery to repair damage to his right, non-kicking leg. He could be ready to kick before the end of the season, but the Jaguars decided they couldn’t afford the roster spot, so they decided to end his season.

The log was put in the locker room at the behest of Coach Jack Del Rio, who used the mantra “keep chopping wood” to inspire his players when they got off to an 0-3 start.

It’s not the first time Hanson has been involved in an unusual accident. In June 2002, Hanson, his wife and former Jaguar kicker Jaret Holmes were severely burned when the fondue pot they were using overturned at Hanson’s house.

Hanson didn’t miss any playing time, however, because the accident happened in the off-season.

The Jaguars signed Mark Royals, who was released by Miami last month, to punt and hold for kicks.

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