The team will use him when he is ready to play. If he gets injured again, so be it. The way to avoid that is for Welker not to play at all this season.
It isn't so black and white as that. It isn't all or nothing. We are talking percentages of the chance of re-injuring.
By the time TC starts, it will have been five months I think since his operation. Would you agree that the chance of re-injuring that knee by playing 22 games (preseason + 16 games + playoffs) on five months recuperation is greater than playing 9 games after eight months recuperation?
So we have yet another poster that think that patriot coaches are bunch of idiots.
I have the highest respect for BB. I do not think he is an idiot. I thikn he is the greatest coach in the history of the NFL. I think he improved the Cleveland team and set the stage for the Ravens early success.
I have yet to complain about any draft pick he has made. The ones that didn't work out, like Chad Jackson, I give BB a pass on because it was the right move that didn't work out. But the decision was solid. Same with FA signings. Thomas turned out bad, but the decision with the data at the time was solid.
So I am not saying the Pats coaches are a bunch of idiots when I say I do not think Welker should start the season as is being reported. Not that I am in the category as FranticFred, but I think it is better for Welker not to start practicing and playing from the get-go.
He may be ready to play, but will the season take its toll? I want Welker in peak condition for the PLAYOFFS. What good is it to storm through the early games and lose one of the post season lose-and-go-home games?
If he doesn't practice in August or play in September and October, then two things occur:
1. his knee will get THREE more months to strengthen and stabilize, and the chance of injury late in the season is reduced.
2. He will be stronger and fresher in the playoffs.
3. (minor reason) Without Welker, Tate, Price and Hernadez get valuable reps in the early season (which is definitely slower paced than mid-season, late-season or plaoffs) that will be invaluable later in the season when things get hot.
Would you agree that Welker is more likely to be effective IN THE PLAYOFFS if he rests more in TC/early games and starts week 7 than he would by playing all 16 games + preseason?
I won't fuss if Welker starts (it isn't definite you know. BB hasn't said so. CBS radio did). I will trust that BB made the right decision using more and better information than I have. But I would much much rather that Welker not be in uniform during tc and go on pup.