Justin Harrell Preseason Play?

[Fritz]

How did Harrell look on the field against Cleveland? I haven't seen much on that at all. I heard no injury report on him, which is good. He apparently held up.

He's been getting criticized for his movement in practice between reps, so I'm wondering how his actual play has been, particularly against Cleveland.

[get louder at lambeau]

Harrell looked pretty good against Cleveland, but he just sat out the Tues. morning practice because his back "tightened up".

[Fritz]

Ouch. That might be the kiss of death.

[rbaloha1]

Against the backups, JH displayed the ability to move the pocket and split double teams.

Expect JH to be part of the rotation.

[mraynrand]

Let's get that Ryan Pickett flexibility back:


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[retailguy]

Harrell looked pretty good against Cleveland, but he just sat out the Tues. morning practice because his back "tightened up".

[Fritz]

Mike Vandermeuse wrote a column saying it was time for the Packers to dump Harrell. His reasoning was that Harrell has proven he can't stay on the field, and pulling the plug would give other young guys a chance to prove themselves.

I disagree on both counts. In the first instance, it's true Harrell has not played much. No doubt. And yes, his back tightened up on Monday. And that's not good. However, unless the Packers are absolutely lying, Harrells' absence tonight is due to the fact that he's with his wife, who recently gave birth.

Now I don't doubt the Packers also see this as a chance for Harrell to rest that back a bit more. But MM did say Harrell had been medically cleared to play.

So why cut him now? Why not get him back next week, go through practices, play the preseason game, and see where his health is?

The other point - that cutting Harrell now would give young bucks a chance to step up - is also one I'd disagree with. This is Jarius Wynn's second year, and he's been very up and down. Aparently he had lots of trouble holding his ground against Cleveland. And the 7th round pick, Wilson, has not flashed much. Giving him more time might only mean you lessen your chances of keeping him on the practice squad. If you cut Harrell for Wilson, you're still going to end up with a guy who's inactive on Sundays.

So I say keep Harrell for now. See how the next week or week and a half plays out. Harrell is down to that, yes, but at give him that, anyway.

[VermontPackFan]

Has anyone heard whether he is going to play or not tonight? MM says he is medically cleared but I dont know if he is even back with the team or how his wife is doing?

[Tarlam!]

I read that piece, Fritz. Pretty harsh, I thought. But he was fair enough to note Harrell's work ethic is beyond question.

[Fritz]

I think the writer has a case, but I think he's jumping the gun. If Harrell's still missing practices in two weeks, then it's time. But why not give another two weeks to see?

And I think he's listed as out for this game due to personal matters.

[mraynrand]

it was time for the Packers to dump Harrell.

What comes around, goes around.

[rbaloha1]

MV's article is much too premature given the amount of money invested.

If JH was a seventh round pick he would have been cut. Fans and writers need to remain patient.

[bobblehead]

Mike Vandermeuse wrote a column saying it was time for the Packers to dump Harrell. His reasoning was that Harrell has proven he can't stay on the field, and pulling the plug would give other young guys a chance to prove themselves.

I disagree on both counts. In the first instance, it's true Harrell has not played much. No doubt. And yes, his back tightened up on Monday. And that's not good. However, unless the Packers are absolutely lying, Harrells' absence tonight is due to the fact that he's with his wife, who recently gave birth.

Now I don't doubt the Packers also see this as a chance for Harrell to rest that back a bit more. But MM did say Harrell had been medically cleared to play.

So why cut him now? Why not get him back next week, go through practices, play the preseason game, and see where his health is?

The other point - that cutting Harrell now would give young bucks a chance to step up - is also one I'd disagree with. This is Jarius Wynn's second year, and he's been very up and down. Aparently he had lots of trouble holding his ground against Cleveland. And the 7th round pick, Wilson, has not flashed much. Giving him more time might only mean you lessen your chances of keeping him on the practice squad. If you cut Harrell for Wilson, you're still going to end up with a guy who's inactive on Sundays.

So I say keep Harrell for now. See how the next week or week and a half plays out. Harrell is down to that, yes, but at give him that, anyway.

Not much else to say. I am extremely pessimistic at this point, but cut him now?? That would just be stupid.

[get louder at lambeau]

it was time for the Packers to dump Harrell.

What comes around, goes around.

That reminds me of a nice little photoshop thing I did a couple years back-

[bobblehead]

You people have too much time on your hands.

Is Harrell playing tonight?