Here we go again

[MadScientist]

If they legitimately knew Neal could be done for a good chunk of the season, letting Jenkins go was a mistake. If not, then they may have felt they had the horses to not worry. The real question is how much info was the staff working with at the time of the decision.

What info could the staff work with at the time of the decision to know that Neal would be miss a big chunk of time due to an injury during preseason practice? They presumably knew the condition of his shoulder and thought that was non-issue, anything else that could happen falls under the category of shit happens.

[sharpe1027]

the Jenkins cut was questioned in foresight

it was a mistake regardless of how well Mike NEal does or doesn't play. You need quality depth at DL

maybe not a "mistake", we don't know that for sure, but certainly a big loss

Today, they would be better with Jenkins on the roster. Tomorrow, not so certain. His salary, age, injury history, the roster spot and the development of the young D-linemen all factor into the decision.

[Fritz]

first, Mad is correct - someone's got the timeline wrong if that person thinks Neal's current injury occurred before Jenkins signed with the Eagles.

And here's another explanation: given a choice between the two, would Thompson rather pay the extra for the oft-injured vet, or pay a whole lot less for the young, rookie-year-injured kid?

[HarveyWallbangers]

The most important thing to remember is that Jenkins (even at a bargain) would have cost the Packers a little over $5/M year. That $5M/year takes up a piece of the pie that Sitton, Finley, Nelson, Matthews, Raji, and Rodgers will get (if/when they extend their contracts). Scratch Sitton because he got a piece of his pie. It's not necessarily whether Jenkins is better than Neal (probably), that Jenkins would stay healthier than Neal (who knows considering Jenkins injury history), or that one of the young guys (Neal, Wynn, Wilson) is or isn't capable of stepping up. I suggest that Thompson didn't want to spend that much money on a 3-4 DE--whose primary role is to take on blockers. He probably figures those are easier to find.

Now, if you wanted to fault Thompson for not getting a better OLB to pair with Matthews, I can see that. Then again, who was available? Maybe he felt like Zombo and/or Walden would give him that. Who knows. It's not all black and white.

[bobblehead]

What massive injury history? He played in 46 games in 4 years at Purdue.

But there were rumors that he had some bruises after games.

[bobblehead]

Ya, this is a valid point in general. But D-line is a little like Pop Warner Football - everybody gets to play.

I think they could have kept 7 D-lineman, or possibly cut CJ Wilson if he didn't get his butt in gear.

It seems like the pissed-off explanation is unlikely, judging by comments from players. Probably TT made a mistake, but we don't know for sure.
The axe I am grinding is against the sour grapes brigade - people in this very forum - who insist that the loss of Jenkin's talents are no big deal. No need to name names, the HarveyWallbangers and JustinHarrells of this forum know who they are.

I'm glad you didn't name names. That kind of stuff is uncalled for. But I recall arguing with the unnamed HarveyWallbangers regarding Jenkins value as well. In the end, I think he was mad that we didn't offer him a nice deal earlier and wouldn't have returned for what he ultimately signed.

[Harlan Huckleby]

And here's another explanation: given a choice between the two, would Thompson rather pay the extra for the oft-injured vet, or pay a whole lot less for the young, rookie-year-injured kid?

no need to choose, keep both. Plenty of playing time available at DL. If there is a choice ot be made, it is between Jenkins & CJ Wilson.

[KalamazooPackerFan]

I don't know, but I bet you remember Mike Flanagan, who came back from a couple injuries to become a very solid starting center for the Packers. In fact, at one point Ron Wolf traded him to Carolina because Wolf was frustrated that Flanagan could not stay on the field (knee surgery, I think) - but Flanagan flunked the physical, was returned to the Packers, and ended up being a solid player for GB.

I was at the game where Flanagan got hurt and it happened right in front of us. Just a brutal injury on par with Theisman's or Henderson's. I had to cover my niece's eyes! I doubt anyone really thought he could come back and have the career that he did.

[Harlan Huckleby]

So'oto is having back pain after trying to practice. Not looking good there.

[Guiness]

Don't understand how the guy goes through pre-season like a house on fire, makes the team on a UDFA then can't dress!

[Upnorth]

What info could the staff work with at the time of the decision to know that Neal would be miss a big chunk of time due to an injury during preseason practice? They presumably knew the condition of his shoulder and thought that was non-issue, anything else that could happen falls under the category of shit happens.

This is exactly my point, so how can someone conclude that letting Jenkins go is a mistake. Like you said, shit happens and it is happening again with so'oto. Lets hope this ends now and doesn't turn out like last year.

[hoosier]

Justin Harrell, Mike Neal, So'to = three peas in a pod.

[Fritz]

The So'oto thing is worrisome, just as the Neal thing. So now So'oto's back flares up? Jaysus. Ridiculous. And Williams may be out. Are other teams having these same issues, or is this really that "here we go again" thing?

I really thought after last year the gods would be with the Pack this year. But maybe not.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Gonna put my gynecologist's hat on here for a minute.

Neal - his problem was apparently a meniscus tear. Why wait a whole month before giving him an arthoscope? MAybe wait a week to see if it settles down. The scope can precisely identify the problem, doesn't in itself cause much damage, and they can do the surgery if needed.

So'oto - man, if it were just a strained muscle, hard to see why it would flair up again just with light activity. This is discouraging.

[rbaloha1]

Where is Justin Harrell when you need him?