The Definition of Madness

It seems that right tackle Bryan Bulaga is slated to return to the trenches this weekend against the Rams and while in normal circumstances I would rejoice I have reservations about his return at this time.

 

Bryan Bulaga continues to get back up after being knocked down

I've always gone by the credo of when you feel good wait a week before you return to normal activities when it comes to returning from sports injuries. Normally Coach Mike McCarthy has always be cautious about rushing players back on the field.

Aaron Rodgers sitting out until absolutely ready

Just remember two years ago when Aaron Rodgers was sidelined with his broken collarbone the fans were clamoring for his return three weeks before he finally took to the field the last game of the season to knock the Bears out of the playoffs. But now McCarthy seems to be under some sense of urgency and has thrown all common sense out the window.

 

With Bulaga almost assured of being in the lineup it seems McCarthy is as worried or more about the Rams than I am. I don't think Don Barclay has done a terrible job replacing Bulaga, so I think one more week isn't unreasonable. Bulaga just got back to practice this week and now he being thrown into the fray against Chris Long immediately might be a recipe for disaster.

 

Davante Adams injured worse a week later

We already have a prime example of what happens when you rush a player in before he is fully healed. Wide receiver Davante Adams injured his ankle against the Seahawks and started the next week against the Chiefs. He then aggravated the injury on his first pass and is now out of the lineup for an extended period of time. That worked out well didn't it?

 

Chris Long is the Thunder part of the Rams' Thunder Storm

Adams was rushed back because McCarthy has no faith in Jeff Janis. The credo of Ted Thompson has always been the next man up, but this year that has been thrown out the window. Now with just a week of practice Bulaga will play against a very tough foe with a chance of a season-ending injury staring everyone in the face. I don't think the reward is worth the risk.

 

I think Barclay could handle his job this week, but McCarthy does not. If Barclay can't handle the job then cut him. If Janis can't handle the job then cut him. Bring in veterans who can. The next man up philosophy only works if the next man can play.

 

This is a prime example of being penny wise and pound foolish. Either Thompson needs to free up some money and bring reserves in who can play or we will continue to send players back into a game when they are not ready to play because of injury. This is the absolute definition of madness.