Jason Cole: "Ronnie may not play."

[tucker]

they should put him in but maybe with the 2nd or 3rd stringers

 

[byroan]

It's been crap all up the East Coast today. What is it like in Charlotte?

Just sunny and hot here. Got up to about 100.

 

[060693]

I dont think he should play...

I think when you consider that Ronnie has had only 3 practices, and everyone else on the field (minus Hines ward, but he has had 5 years NFL experience) has had 3 weeks of practice and 2 preseason games underneathe thier belt, it would be a huge mistake to play him in this game.

Yes injuries are a part of football but you definetly have to temper those risks, and all of Pitt's defensive players will be far more in regular season game condition than ronnie who again has has just 3 practices, of which there has been very little contact.

Ronnie held out, and now he is behind the curve and that may initally be a scarifice to the team. However, this does not mean that we should risk his health prematurely. There is plenty of time to get him more game ready.

 

[cnc66]

I think when you consider that Ronnie has had only 3 practices, and everyone else on the field (minus Hines ward, but he has had 5 years NFL experience) has had 3 weeks of practice and 2 preseason games underneathe thier belt, it would be a huge mistake to play him in this game.

Yes injuries are a part of football but you definetly have to temper those risks, and all of Pitt's defensive players will be far more in regular season game condition than ronnie who again has has just 3 practices, of which there has been very little contact.

Ronnie held out, and now he is behind the curve and that may initally be a scarifice to the team. However, this does not mean that we should risk his health prematurely. There is plenty of time to get him more game ready.

well said, I agree with your concerns and strategy

 

[Dolphin North]

Really? I checked the weather report this morning for Pittsburgh and it didn't say anything about storms. I think the weather may have been a factor in Saban's decision.

You never know with Saban. He may be realistic abouut injury risks, but doesn't want to put Ronnie in his first game against a pressure team in bad weather, with barely any training camp under his belt. What about having a terrible first game. I'm not saying protect him from reality, but it's an unfair situation to be in as a rookie, really. Imagine if he looks horrible, then has to contend with his own confidence, media criticism, etc. until he proves them all wrong. Better to let him get ready like everyone else does, bfore playing.

Next week will be fine. I want to see him now, but next week will do if Nick says so!