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Posted at 1:54 p.m., Friday, September 14, 2007

NFL: Bills Everett slightly moved 3 fingers on right hand

By John Wawrow
Associated Press

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Kevin Everett has slightly moved three fingers on his right hand, potentially another positive sign in his recovery from a life-threatening spinal-cord injury, a person close to the family told The Associated Press today.

The Buffalo tight end voluntarily moved his fingers last night "more than a little bit but not with great force," said the person who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of Everett's status. "There was slight movement."

Dr. Barth Green of the Miami Project also told The Miami Herald today that Everett showed movement in his fingers early this morning. Green said he spoke on the phone with Bills orthopedic surgeon Andrew Cappuccino, who updated him.

On Wednesday, doctors said Everett could wiggle his toes, bend his hip, move his ankles, elevate and kick his leg, as well as extend his elbows and slightly flex his biceps. But he had not been able to move his hands.

Bills spokesman Scott Berchtold didn't immediately return messages left by the AP. Officials at Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital have deferred all updates to the Bills.

Everett was hurt Sunday after ducking his head while tackling Denver's Domenik Hixon during the second-half kickoff in the season opener. The Buffalo player dropped face-first after his helmet hit Hixon high on the left shoulder and side of the helmet.

When Everett arrived at the hospital Sunday, he was paralyzed below his neck. Since then, he has shown signs of improvement and was taken off a respirator Wednesday.