Ladarius Green...

I look at it from a cost benefit analysis point of view. If we had the ability to use the money spent on Green for other positions of need like CB/S/OLB, our team would be much better off. Since we can't just cut him without eating dead money, he is worth keeping. There is no doubt that he is more valuable than our current TEs, but I am not convinced that the margin of difference is worth the financial price.

Another big thing is, while he displayed playmaking potential with the Chargers, can he block? Or is he just a playmaking TE? What is the point of having a playmaking TE who can't block when we have playmakers all over the field? Especially with Bryant coming back next year and Coats developing. Having yet another in Green would either take away targets from much better players than him (Brown, Bell, Bryant, maybe Coats) or he would be an expensive decoy.

Again, if his salary was that of JJ or Grimble (so nothing), then this isn't even a discussion. But the fact of the matter is that he is fairly expensive and seems to have the injury illness.

 

Yeah but the whole reasoning for bringing DJ back was because Green wasn't ready to play... let alone start. Whether it's his ankle or head...so far, we haven't gotten our monies worth. He's not a villian and in the same regards...he's not a victim either.
Trust me, I would love for nothing more then to have him out there shining and presenting another weapon for ben...but the question is when?

 

I don't think he would be a decoy or take touches away. Ben is going to who's open. Its not like they would design plays specifically for him. I will take all the play makers I can get.

 

Ok sure, but then you can't afford good defensive players. Like OLBs. There should be no reason why Harrison is our best pass rushing LB when he is 38 and retired two years ago.

 

He's got the size to block, and he can't be worse than Jesse James right now. (Not saying James is bad; he's just not not Heath-like either.) Blocking can be coached up, playmaking can't.

If we could afford Miller at TE, we can afford Ladarius Green. I think our relative woes at DE/pass-rush have more to do with talent appraisal and slow development than cost. We've never taken the Steinbrenner approach to getting talent on the field. Which is one of the many reasons I love the Steelers organization.

 

Was there any news or rumors locally as to why Green didn't get activated this week? He is on the 53 man roster right so he doesn't eat up one of the IR to return slots? It's like they are waiting to see if someone else gets injured and they need a spot or something.

 

Doesn't look like he's gonna see the field this year. Man what a terrible signing.

 

I read one report was because Tomlin didn't want to confuse Jones. Probably just waiting until the bye to give him 2 weeks to get into playing shape.

 

That is what I find strange though, he said he expected to start practicing with the team this week and didn't, even if they don't make him active on gameday getting him reps during the weeks doesn't hurt and it is another body out there at least so that you don't have to worry so much about over-practicing guys that are a bit dinged up. The only reason I could see was if it had to do with the roster and having so many guys hurt and potentially having someone else go down.

 

Once he starts practicing they have 21 days to decide to put him on the 53 or ir him.

 

So we are at this point looking more at the roster and less at what he can do for them in a weeks time

 

Yeah...better keep an eye on those patsies they like to hit well after the whistle Ala Edelman dudes always throwing late shots.

 

He's still on the PUP as of 20 october, it's been 8 months since his ankle surgery, guys almost heal with ACLs in 8 months:


Rotoworld

Ladarius Green (ankle, PUP) said there is "no timetable" for him to return to practice.
Signed to a four-year, $20 million deal in March, Green has yet to practice with the Steelers because of an offseason ankle injury. There have also been reports he is dealing with complications from a concussion. Even once he returns to practice, it will likely take him several weeks to settle in with the new offense. Oct 20 - 9:31 AM

 

They said on SNR a couple days ago that his ankle is good. It is the concussion stuff that he was dealing with.

 

Whether we as fans like it or not, Green is doing his due diligence. Hasting for a comeback with concussion based symptoms can be catastrophic for his life and nevermind his career.


I want him as much as the next guy... but until these issues are ironed out... no point in jeopardizing his NFL career; a young one at that.