Pack Concerned about Blackmon

[vince]

Apparently, Blackmon's foot isn't healing very well. He could go on the PUP list, or at minimum, be limited in practice throughout camp.

http://pu2006.typepad.com/packer_update/

I think there's still room for him on the 53 because of his return potential (if healthy) - but after this year, if he can't stay healthy, his spot on both the return teams and at CB becomes a big targeted need area.

The article says that he's being seen exclusively as a returner these days as well, as his footwork and play has not been up to par at CB.

Disappointing if all this is true, although Packer Update is about on par with Arrigo as far as the reliability of their rumors is concerned.

[KYPack]

If this is true, it's a bummer.

Blackmon has flashed such brilliant potential. But the guy is feakish about getting banged up.

This would almost have to be the last straw if true.

[Packnut]

Blackmon

Guy has all the talent in the world, but just can't stay healthy. I don't know how much more time the Pack can give him.

[Ballboy]

With the limited roster size this year in training camp he may not get much more time.

[bobblehead]

If he misses time in TC, or even if he can't compete well my guess is they will cut him loose and move on.

[packers11]

IR for one more year??? he has to much potential to just cut him... I think they will put him on the PUP and hopefully he will be healthy then...

[HarveyWallbangers]

Re: Pack Concerned about Blackmon

The article says that he's being seen exclusively as a returner these days as well, as his footwork and play has not been up to par at CB.

This quote isn't exactly accurate.

With the emergence of Tramon Williams and the drafting of Pat Lee in the second round, Blackmon is now viewed as more of a returner than a corner by the coaches. “He’s a remarkable athlete, but he hasn’t been very impressive on defense - even when healthy,” said a former scout. “He has a tendency to take false steps and he doesn’t play as fast as he times. His best attributes are his vision and his quickness. That’s what makes him so dangerous on returns.”

[KYPack]

IR for one more year??? he has to much potential to just cut him... I think they will put him on the PUP and hopefully he will be healthy then...

PUP would put him on the shelf 'til October.

Can we afford that luxury?

That's a lot of time for a kid who might be done.

That play he made against OAK was electric. That kind of potential is rare, so they might just do it.

[Tarlam!]

Time to cut him. It's tough, but when I think of the players on the bubble that are healthy, well, sorry. Cut him.

[mission]

Yup, Tarlem...

One word for ya Blackmon:

Next.

I don't get this romanticizing of a player who's never really even seen the field. It's too bad, but hey... the guy made a few hundred thousands dollars a year to try and heal his foot.

Keep it movin.

[vince]

Re: Pack Concerned about Blackmon

The article says that he's being seen exclusively as a returner these days as well, as his footwork and play has not been up to par at CB.

This quote isn't exactly accurate.

With the emergence of Tramon Williams and the drafting of Pat Lee in the second round, Blackmon is now viewed as more of a returner than a corner by the coaches. “He’s a remarkable athlete, but he hasn’t been very impressive on defense - even when healthy,” said a former scout. “He has a tendency to take false steps and he doesn’t play as fast as he times. His best attributes are his vision and his quickness. That’s what makes him so dangerous on returns.”

Right. Good catch. I didn't want to post the whole article, as the guys at PU explicitly state they don't want that to be done at the end of every blog entry. Falty reporting of the report on my part...

I think he's on his last leg (figurative and literally apparently) but if he's healthy enough to suit up, KY hits it on the head. He can be electric in space. I don't see a sixth CB on the roster of his caliber, nor do I see a legitimate home-run threat on punt returns behind him at this point.

Hopefully he can overcome this, but it doesn't seem to be looking good. I'm no doctor, but if the foot hasn't healed after this long, I wouldn't think it would be likely to heal up in the next few weeks going into TC.

[Patler]

I could see them hanging on to Blackmon on IR. for another year, IF they have some reasonable belief that he actually will heal. Maybe it is something that never will heal completely.

Mike Flanagan had the horrendous broken leg with nerve damage as a rookie. He was on IR for two successive years, with several follow-up surgeries. He only played in two games his third season. Played some, but never started his fourth season, and wasn't even completely up to speed then, according to some stories. The Packers held on to him for a long time before getting any contribution from him.

Blackmon didn't miss a single game in college. Can't help but wonder if he should have taken more time off with the first foot injury as a rookie. I feel sorry for the kid. It has to be frustrating to be so close, to show glimpses of what you can do, and not be able to stay on the field.

[RashanGary]

I thought the writer hit it right on the head though, he was impressive as all hell as a returner and very unimpressive on defense. I thought Tramon Williams really outplayed Blackmon as a CB.

[the_idle_threat]

The guy's bones are made of chalk. I agree with mission: Next!

[falco]

I thought the writer hit it right on the head though, he was impressive as all hell as a returner and very unimpressive on defense. I thought Tramon Williams really outplayed Blackmon as a CB.

for once i agree with you