In No World Should Jayden Play This Sunday vs The Bears Unless He is 1000000% Healthy
I know everyone wants to see Jayden vs Caleb this weekend. I want to see it, you want to see it, grandma (RIP) wants to see it. WE ALLLLLL want to see it. But here's the rub- Unless Jayden is literally 100% healthy and pain free at the start of the game, there is no reason for him to play. Playing with a lingering rib injury instead of taking a week for it to heal sounds like one of the worst ideas possible for him. I'm advocating him them to be over the top cautious with him. We have got to zoom out and look at the big picture, the grand scope of what is at stake, not just this Sunday's game vs the Bears. As much as it sucks, even if he feels he can "play through it", I just do not see the upside.
I completely understand that Jayden is a tough SOB and a god damn football player, so obviously even if he's 80% pain free, he could reasonably play at a very high level. But then what? What if he takes another shot to the ribs? What if he is hesitant to get that extra yard because he feels pain in his ribs and doesn't want to risk anything? What if playing further aggravates what is already hurt? I don't think risking anything in week 8 of his rookie year is worth it. Yeah, I want him to win OROY. And I think seeing him go head to head with Caleb their rookie seasons would be awesome.
But we gotta remember, this isn't supposed to be the Super Bowl year. Yeah, they look great. I believe this team can beat any other team on any given Sunday.
But at the same time, that's not the goal of this season. This season is about development and rebuilding, and then spending a shit ton in free agency next year as we have 122 million in cap room going into the 2025 season. Next year after a solid draft and some key signings to plug holes on defense will be a whole different story. But for now, and yes maybe I'm scarred by the Ghost of RG3 Past, I don't need to rush Jayden back. Let those ribs heal and get back out there and be electric in week 9. I am preaching caution to the highest levels. I truly believe this is a long term play, and after 25 years of Snyder, we cannot think short term satisfaction over long term gain.
But hopefully the treatment takes and we see Jayden vs Caleb in their first of many awesome showdowns this Sunday. If not, I guess we will have to wait for the NFC Championship Game.