I'd be willing to bet that Mays does not avoid IR. Despite the Lions horrible luck with injuries the past two years, they never actually used up all of the IR designations either year. So the Lions must ask themselves:
What's more important, the extra roster spot that Mays would free up by going on IR, or giving up said roster spot and saving an IR designation on the off-chance that he might be ready for game four?
I think the Lions would absolutely prefer to keep an extra player (if only temporary) on the roster rather than burning a spot for a guy who's likely to miss all of that time regardless.
Edit: It's conceivable Rolder could even be stashed on IR for the same reason as Mays — to free up a roster spot. There's no need to rush Rolder; he likely won't see the field very much, he's really the only other "IR-to-return" candidate, and like you said, the Lions have two of these designations to use that don't count towards the 53-man roster.
Maybe Kirby should try something as simple as Prolotherapy. If neither Branch nor Kirby can play at least a few games this year, I doubt the Lions make much of a splash come the end of the season...as there will be other injuries depleting either side of the ball. Mays needs to eventually play. Rolder is an unknown no matter if he plays this season of not.
When it comes to alternative or experimental therapies, it comes down to risk/reward. The risk of prolotherapy appears to be pretty low, so might be worth a shot. Might help with pain, but not going to regrow cartilage though.
Good thoughts. Yes, some kind of therapy for the Joseph's knee is in the realm of possibility. Some therapies require travel to foreign countries (PRP, stem, etc.). The data isn't strong though - at best a modest effect. Maybe he is meditating in Aaron Rodgers' cave.
And you are right on that mentally it could be very difficult to deal with this knee issue that is already career-altering and potentially career-ending.
That's a good question about the contract. There must be some language to protect the team and give them an out if a player is just making up excuses and skipping.
If he's being treated for mental health, I'm not sure how much voice a team would have. They do have a voice when it comes to physical treatments. I've definitely considered the mental health possibility here.
I'd be willing to bet that Mays does not avoid IR. Despite the Lions horrible luck with injuries the past two years, they never actually used up all of the IR designations either year. So the Lions must ask themselves:
What's more important, the extra roster spot that Mays would free up by going on IR, or giving up said roster spot and saving an IR designation on the off-chance that he might be ready for game four?
I think the Lions would absolutely prefer to keep an extra player (if only temporary) on the roster rather than burning a spot for a guy who's likely to miss all of that time regardless.
Edit: It's conceivable Rolder could even be stashed on IR for the same reason as Mays — to free up a roster spot. There's no need to rush Rolder; he likely won't see the field very much, he's really the only other "IR-to-return" candidate, and like you said, the Lions have two of these designations to use that don't count towards the 53-man roster.
Totally legitimate reasoning 👍. There are pros/cons either way they go.
Maybe Kirby should try something as simple as Prolotherapy. If neither Branch nor Kirby can play at least a few games this year, I doubt the Lions make much of a splash come the end of the season...as there will be other injuries depleting either side of the ball. Mays needs to eventually play. Rolder is an unknown no matter if he plays this season of not.
When it comes to alternative or experimental therapies, it comes down to risk/reward. The risk of prolotherapy appears to be pretty low, so might be worth a shot. Might help with pain, but not going to regrow cartilage though.
Is it possible that the “personal issue” is an experimental surgery or physical therapy session somewhere?
Maybe Joseph hoped the knee would respond without the therapy, but now he knows he’ll never play again?
Can you shed any light on what’s out there that could help? Or have I been watching too many science-fiction shows?
Good thoughts. Yes, some kind of therapy for the Joseph's knee is in the realm of possibility. Some therapies require travel to foreign countries (PRP, stem, etc.). The data isn't strong though - at best a modest effect. Maybe he is meditating in Aaron Rodgers' cave.
And you are right on that mentally it could be very difficult to deal with this knee issue that is already career-altering and potentially career-ending.
Lions have to know Joseph’s whereabouts, right?
If he’s being treated (even for depression), do the Lions get a voice or even a veto on the plan?
If he was sipping top shelf tequila on a beach - he could void his rather substantial contract.
That's a good question about the contract. There must be some language to protect the team and give them an out if a player is just making up excuses and skipping.
If he's being treated for mental health, I'm not sure how much voice a team would have. They do have a voice when it comes to physical treatments. I've definitely considered the mental health possibility here.
All excellent points you're bringing up.
Thank you for the discussion.
Love your work.
Appreciate u 🙏