POLL: Welker's status for the start of the 2010 season - New England Patriots Forums

**Ian** · 05-23-2010, 09:05 PM

I joked on Twitter last night that I thought each report about him "progressing well" should be a "drinking game" considering the amount of articles we've read about him over the past week and probably will continue to read. Needless to say I thought I'd throw this out to see if we couldn't get see what everyone else feels. Considering it was just his ACL and watching the video I saw and listening to some reports from those who saw him at his camp recently, count me in the "Ready for the opener" group - I think four more months of rehab will hopefully see him on the field in September. Obviously how the other receivers play will factor into whether Belichick decides to give him the extra time and sit him through the bye week on PUP.

Although I'm just throwing it out there and it's just for fun considering it's May - but I'm curious to see what others think.

efin98 · 05-23-2010, 09:18 PM

Repeat of the Chad Jackson situation from a few years ago- PUP to start the season then coming in around Week 10. Worst case he isn't a factor until week 12.

**Ian** · 05-23-2010, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by efin98

Repeat of the Chad Jackson situation from a few years ago- PUP to start the season then coming in around Week 10. Worst case he isn't a factor until week 12.

I agree, but I think the it will depend on how they move the ball well during the preseason with some of the new guys - they'll likely sit him if they think they can win without him. Although I do believe we'll see him before that late in the season...

miDeuce · 05-23-2010, 09:30 PM

My uneducated guess: Oct 31 vs. Minny.

**Ian** · 05-23-2010, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miDeuce

My uneducated guess: Oct 31 vs. Minny.

If I had to make another guess I'd say San Diego - that one could have playoff seeding implications.

***BelichickFan*** · 05-23-2010, 09:34 PM

In between for me. We have a Week 5 bye, I expect him on the 53 but not playing the first 4 weeks. That way he can practice with the offense the first month and be ready for Week 6 against the Ravens. That gives him extra time but gets him back several weeks earlier than if he's PUPed and can't practice until Week 7.

Buchanty · 05-23-2010, 09:36 PM

Much as I would like 83 back for the beginning of the season, I think it would not only be optimistic it may be premature. We need Wes in the months of the long nights and cold weather not in the early season. I suspect the Pats organization will not try to push him back too soon, and I will hazard a guess that his first appearance will be after the bye at the soonest.

***KontradictioN*** · 05-23-2010, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BelichickFan

In between for me. We have a Week 5 bye, I expect him on the 53 but not playing the first 4 weeks. That way he can practice with the offense the first month and be ready for Week 6 against the Ravens. That gives him extra time but gets him back several weeks earlier than if he's PUPed and can't practice until Week 7.

A while back, didn't you say something to the effect of betting money on him starting Week 1?

Brady2Welker · 05-23-2010, 10:58 PM

Up until now I've said that I expect him to show up around halfway through the season, but honestly I just think it should be when hes going to be at maximum efficiency. If he can play 100% at week 1, and has a clean bill of health, then send him in. But if he needs to take his time to heal up a bit more to be at 100%, than I'm fine with that. For someone who plays like he does, if he's not capable of performing at his level, then he might just be better off healing while returning to top form.

***BelichickFan*** · 05-23-2010, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KontradictioN

A while back, didn't you say something to the effect of betting money on him starting Week 1?

I think he'll be able to play Week 1 and I think if it were a playoff game he would play Week 1 (assuming no setbacks, of course). I go back and forth on whether they'll play him Week 1 or play it a little more conservative. I'm leaning towards the latter right now but if he's on the Opening Day 53 that's enough for me to think that he's basically ready. That Week 5 bye week is a little tempting to get a free bonus week off before "The Return".