Triage Time: Take One for the Team
September 1st, 2009 by Will Carroll
We all know football is a rough sport, and injuries are inevitable. Sometimes they take the player out for weeks, months… or entire seasons. But as your grinding your teeth over players who have been benched for medical reasons, keep in mind that football is a game and that quality of life will always take precedence. Medical redshirts are taking one for the team by using the time to get in top physical condition, so they make use of their full potential for next season.
Quarterback David Shinskie, Boston College- Fractured Rib
Shinskie, who got a belated college start after playing six seasons of minor league baseball, was the leading candidate to be the Eagle’s starting QB until he suffered a rib fracture. Since fractures (even undisplaced) take a minimum of 6-8 weeks to heal, Shinskie and the coaching staff have a big decision to make on a possible medical redshirt.
Tight End Gerald Harris, Ole Miss- Hamstring Strain
Harris expected to be an integral part of the Rebels offense and a big target for Heisman candidate QB Jevan Snead, until he sprained his hamstring in last week’s scrimmage, and hasn’t yet returned to practice. Coach Houston Nutt will definitely need Harris to get some prime game time before the 8th ranked Rebels host Alabama on October 10th.
Wide Receiver Jesse Hester, University of South Florida- Ankle Sprain
Hester suffers from a 2+ degree ankle sprain that is responding slowly to treatment. He is last season’s leading receiver and a favorite target of QB Matt Grothe. The Bulls will definitely need Hester in top shape when they face Florida State on September 26th.
Running Back Josh Oglesby, Virginia Tech – Hamstring strain and foot infection
Coach Frank Beamer has seen a black cloud over the running back position this pre-season. All four of the running backs on the depth chart are currently injured and unable to practice. Oglesby, expected to step in for Darren Evans (out for the year with an ACL injury) suffers from a nagging hamstring strain and a foot infection and wasn’t able to get any reps this week. With the “Battle for Atlanta” against 5th ranked Alabama only a week away, Beamer is hoping Oglesby miraculously recovers, because the Alabama defense would destroy a one-dimensional Hokie squad.
Quarterback Max Hall, Brigham Young University- Dislocated ring finger (throwing hand)
Hall (photo right courtesy Icon SMI) dislocated the ring finger on his throwing hand last week. Although it was immediately reduced (relocated), a traumatic dislocation always results in damage to ligaments or tendons. So the big question is whether Hall will be at full tilt for the opener against Oklahoma next week where he matches his skills against those of 2008 Heisman winner Sam Bradford.
Running Back Jewell Hampton, Iowa –Knee injury
Hampton reinjured his knee in practice last week and has little or no chance of being in the line-up for this week’s opener and is doubtful for the September 12th game against in-state rival Iowa State. Ligament injuries need time to heal and with Iowa’s Big Ten season beginning October 10th, they will need a healthy Hampton to compete.
Running Back Damion Fletcher, Southern Miss- Hamstring Sprain
The Golden Eagles all-time rushing leader is sidelined with a hamstring strain and expected to miss this week’s opener against Alcorn State. Coach Larry Fedora will be conservative with Fletcher, since he’s definitely needed for big games against Virginia, Kansas, and Conference USA schedule. Fletcher is one of the main keys to this team’s attainment of a second straight Bowl appearance.
Tight End Blake Irby, University of Texas- Dislocated Knee
With the Longhorn’s quest for a national title, they can ill afford to lose experienced people at the skill positions. It was announced this week that Irby’s knee, injured last season, has not progressed enough in rehabilitation to allow him to participate in the 2009 season. Coach Mack Brown is a master at finding “spare parts” to fill in for injured players, but Irby will definitely be missed by QB Colt McCoy and could have been a big contributor during Texas’s battle with Okalahoma on October 17th.
Running Back James Starks, University of Buffalo- Torn Labrum (shoulder)
Starks, the Bull all-time leading rusher, is through for the year with a labrum tear in his shoulder, which requires surgical repair. The labrum is the lining of the shoulder joint and adds stability to the ball and socket joint. Both the team and the fans will sorely miss a very popular player (photo left courtesy Icon SMI).
Running Back Nick Grigsby, University of Arizona – Ankle sprain
Grigsby, a returning starter for the Wildcats, suffered an ankle sprain and will miss at least the opening game and maybe one more, but should be available when Arizona starts its Pac-10 schedule on September 26th at Oregon State.
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