If you’ve read anything I’ve written, you probably know that I hate it when player try to tough it out and rush back from an injury. In the grand scheme of things, does one possible win justify the potential setback and resulting extended absence that could result from coming back early? I say no. With this in mind, I love hearing about players who finally seem to, “get it,” and decide that they need to protect their own long-term health first.
Such seemed to be the case with Bills RB LeSean McCoy. McCoy dealt with a lingering hamstring strain since August, but in October, he had this refreshing quote:
One thing I promised myself is I can’t go out there if I’m not 100 percent, so, if it’s this game, or next game — whenever it is, I’m rushing to get back but I’m not playing until I’m 100 percent.
Clear enough, right? Good for him, I don’t blame him one bit. But then, two weeks later, when talking about his Week 6 status, McCoy had this to say:
Hurt or not, we need this win. So I’m out there for my teammates.
Great. So now we get to watch the Bills struggle against the Bengals in a game that the Bills will most likely lose, and we get the additional bonus of McCoy risking reinjury. Yeah, that’s awesome. The odd part to me is that the Bills are 1-1 in McCoy’s absence, so they’re not even in a drastic situation. I wouldn’t fault McCoy (or anyone) for sitting out in important games, but this isn’t even an important game! Here’s hoping McCoy doesn’t aggravate anything and that he can finish the season healthy.
