I’m being paid by the “a” today, and that was a jackpot. Falcons receiver Roddy White missed Sunday’s Week 13 game with an ankle injury, and it’s been ridiculously hard to get any clarity on White’s injury and status. Coaches don’t get all honest and forthcoming on Monday, but, of all the days, Monday is often when coaches will say the most about an injury, allowing us to finally get some much-needed details. No such luck with Atlanta head coach Mike Smith in regards to Roddy White. Here’s what ESPN Falcons reporter Vaughn McClure tweeted today:
Mike Smith said Roddy's ankle sprain isn't as severe as the high ankle sprain suffered last year. Anticipates him back vs. Green Bay
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) December 1, 2014
These are the exact quotes that drive me crazy. Smith, in attempting to “elaborate” has left us with two dichotomous interpretations. One possibility is that White has a high ankle sprain, but that this current high ankle sprain is not as severe as the one White suffered last season. The second possibility is that White’s current ankle sprain is of the garden-variety, low ankle sprain variety, hence it is not as severe as the high ankle sprain White suffered last season. But if this is the only quote, and there is no follow-up, how are we to know which possibility to believe? Seriously, this happens all the time, and I’m not sure why there isn’t better follow-up or reporting. Why wouldn’t a member of the press simply ask Smith for clarification at the time Smith uttered those confusing words? The difference between those two possibilities (low ankle vs high ankle) could be huge in terms of potential absence or performance. Seems strange to let that one slide.
