JPJ missing last night with a stomach bug and the Cowboys getting scorched leaves me with a glowing feeling this morning - might be we dodged a bullet and as long as Brad makes some moves at the bye week we should be good.
I understand Campbell wanting to be cautious, but I question the logic of putting so much emphasis on practice reps. If Branch is medically cleared and physically ready, what exactly are we gaining by delaying his return? He already understands the defensive schemes, and he’s a better player than those currently filling his role.
There’s a risk of reinjury whether he’s practicing or playing. If he aggravates something in practice, the team gains nothing and loses him again. If he’s on the field Sunday, at least those reps have the potential to help the Lions win a football game.
Obviously, you don’t rush someone back before he’s medically ready. But once he is, I’d rather see him getting meaningful game reps than spending additional time proving in practice what we already know he can do. At some point, caution has to be weighed against the value of actually having your best players on the field.
Branch said he needs to "catch his wind" still, meaning he isn't fully in conditioned play shape even if he isn't at too much risk of re-injuring himself. He also noted he was pretty sore after his first practice or two. So, while he could play at AZ probably, he wouldn't be totally there yet. Even if it's just for his confidence level, giving him an extra week of time to condition and get ready is the way to go. If he came back this week and didn't feel like himself it could get in his head a bit.
JPJ missing last night with a stomach bug and the Cowboys getting scorched leaves me with a glowing feeling this morning - might be we dodged a bullet and as long as Brad makes some moves at the bye week we should be good.
https://preview.redd.it/74h3ww93qicc1.jpeg?auto=webp&s=89a9dacec61b06cef2eaab611aabc74160115645
I see you’re the same kind of Dallas Cowboys fan that I am.
I understand Campbell wanting to be cautious, but I question the logic of putting so much emphasis on practice reps. If Branch is medically cleared and physically ready, what exactly are we gaining by delaying his return? He already understands the defensive schemes, and he’s a better player than those currently filling his role.
There’s a risk of reinjury whether he’s practicing or playing. If he aggravates something in practice, the team gains nothing and loses him again. If he’s on the field Sunday, at least those reps have the potential to help the Lions win a football game.
Obviously, you don’t rush someone back before he’s medically ready. But once he is, I’d rather see him getting meaningful game reps than spending additional time proving in practice what we already know he can do. At some point, caution has to be weighed against the value of actually having your best players on the field.
Branch said he needs to "catch his wind" still, meaning he isn't fully in conditioned play shape even if he isn't at too much risk of re-injuring himself. He also noted he was pretty sore after his first practice or two. So, while he could play at AZ probably, he wouldn't be totally there yet. Even if it's just for his confidence level, giving him an extra week of time to condition and get ready is the way to go. If he came back this week and didn't feel like himself it could get in his head a bit.
There's a difference between medically cleared and being in football shape. That's the reason they don't play games without training camp.
Gosh I love MCDC