Other than the pain and suffering incurred by the player and their families (and I don't mean to minimize that on a human level), the rash of training camp injuries are a non issue. So don't panic. I take the view that these injuries are a blessing in disguise.
And here is why.
I have felt for a long time that Chaun Thompson was a solid defender. A guy who for some reason was always being jerked around by the coaching staff and a guy who certainly was not given the chance to play for the current regime. In fact, our buddy Jeff Schudel, has shared that view for some time. On the Tuesday night radio shows he used to say Chaun would be snapped up the next day if the Browns released him. And he would have been!
Matt Stewart, not a bad guy and an OK player, would have struggled to make the team this season. McGinnest's playing days are over. Other than recovering a key fumble last year he basically gave us nothing. Our linebacking corps is set. We are better off with Thompson in the mix. He has paid his dues. He can help us. You watch.
I like Williams, Davis, Jackson, Peak, Thompson, Wimbley and perhaps McMillan, Unck and another special team's type to round out this corp.
I disagree with those who say we have to go out and sign a veteran. No way. We are good. But Peak has to rehab his leg and the rest of the group needs to stay healthy.
As for Roye's injury, we need him. So he misses the preseason! He doesn't need it. He isn't going to play every down this year anyway. We will use a rotation. Savage has built this team with an eye towards versatility and he has that in S. Smith. Yes, D-line is an area of concern, and we can't take hits there, but I think we will be OK.
THE ONE GUY WE CAN'T LOOSE IS STEINBACH, but all reports are that he will be back in a few weeks. We have Friedman to hold the fort plus some young bucks who will get to play in the preseason. The starters don't have to play a ton together in exhibition games. As long as they are practicing they will be fine.
In no way do I want to release Ryan Tucker once he is eligible to come back. That is short sighted thinking. It is the same as if we had released Thompson after last season as was speculated. Where would we be now? Beating the waiver wire for guys that haven't played in a year?
THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS YOU NEVER RELEASE GOOD PLAYERS, NEVER! You don't know what the future holds. having Tucker ineligible for 4 weeks saves us cutting perhaps a Steptoe or Ali or some other young buck who might be able to help us. At least we can take a look at someone else for a few weeks longer. And besides, we might loose somebody to injury in the first 4 weeks and then we can activate Tucker. He is not going to forget how to play just because he missed 4 games--don't overact to this.
Coaches live in the moment. You are as good as your last game, your last play etc. So now Tucker is a non entity. He will be an entity again when that "next coaches moment comes".
One last thing, and I have said this a million times before. Charley Frye is going to surprise. I think he will be our starting QB on opening day. Just how some argue Crennel deserves a chance to show what he can do with this improved roster, so does Frye. He will hold down the job until the day Quinn is ready--and I am in no hurry for that to happen. Quinn will play when the situation is right.
Watch and see. Good things are happening.
GO BROWNS!!!