Week 1 injury concerns

with Foster Watt and James all returning to practice do we have any starter potentially out week 1?

I don’t believe anybody of note will play Thursday so unless they get hurt in practice are we completely healthy heading in?

 

I’m not calling Vance a starter anymore that guy is a joke. Sure he can back up James and get some sub package work but I do not view him a starter anymore. Best ability is availability and he’s got 0 of that.

Hilton is the only other guy I’m not sure about as slot corner semi starter

 

McDonald will start if he is healthy. He has more upside as a receiver and he is a far better blocker than James. That said, they currently have a real problem at tight end because they could open the season without both McDonald and Grimble.

I haven't seen an update lately on Hilton. Anybody else see anything new?

 

But the keyword is when healthy which apparently is never. Even if he can play a game he will be hurt the next play. He seems to be that fragile. So for all intent James is the starter no?

Also is Burnett still nicked or is he back full boar?

 

I'm not so sure Vance is the better blocker. We got him primarily for his receiving ability, which he only really showcased in the Jag playoff game.

Either way he's scheduled to be ready by week 1, and we kind of need him at this point to be playing

 

I think one of James biggest weakness is his blocking. He’s not fast or quick but James is not a bad receiving TE. I believe McDonald is considerably a better blocker and to a degree playmaker. But the point is none of this means anything as McDonald has the same chance of staying healthy for 3 games straight as I do of landing Jessica Alba. 0

Guy has been labeled injury prone his entire career and coming into camp with a chance to cement starting TE he has, you guessed it, missed all preseason with a foot injury....

 

McDonald is a much better blocker than James, who is mediocre at best.

MattyMo, McDonald played seven of the first eight games last season, so I think you are overselling your shot at landing Jessica Alba in that post. That, her husband of 10 years and father of her three children may want to have a chat with you.

 

I think the Steelers patience is wearing thin with VM .Jesse has improved dramatically in all phases
in his 3 years since being drafted. I think it would only be fair that he opens up as our #1 TE.

 

James sucks as a blocker

 

They just restructured VM’s contract I don’t know that it indicates the Steelers patience are wearing thin with him.

 

I believe the restructure was more intended to clear up cap space to to possibly make a move for a trade.


Kevin Colbert has become notorious in recent years to trade in the preseason; nearing the end of the preseason especially.

 

Vance will likely be the only one out for week one.


The others I am not worried about. Furthermore, I doubt that T.J. Watt sees any playing time against Carolina.


If he does however, a series and that would be it.

 

I thought I read an article that Vance graded out really high on his blocking last year (when he played) but dang if I can find it.

 

my injury concern for week 1 is my sore shoulder. will i be able to grill, open soda, open the chip bags and turn the TV on by game time. the trainers will be working hard to get me ready next week.

 

Not sure if Vance ever played a whole season. Doesn't seem that he has even as a 49er.

 

For perspective, what would be considered a “good” number?

 

It's a tough job Mac, but I have faith in you.

 

You and I have already beaten this horse. I will be shocked if Vance suits up for more than 8 games this year. You keep calling Vance the starter. But Jesse keeps starting.

 

Vance is a good blocker. He really is. There is no disputing his abilities. I question his heart. I really do hope he's ready for week 1. We need him. But with no prep time in the preseason or camp it will be sub package play only. If he does play in week 1 he will end up hurt and out for the next 3 games. I will believe he can be a steady contributer when I see it.

 

Being injured isn’t a question of heart. It would be if it he was out with “illness” for many weeks, or any array of contusions for a long period of time. It will be nice to have him back when we do because he’s a pretty good player when out there

 

Being constantly injured leads me to question his heart. Is it valid for me to question his heart? Perhaps not. But if you follow his career back when he played for the 49ers you will see a clear trend. He is not willing to play through pain, and sits out for extended periods of time with injuries most would consider minor. All the talent in the world. But yes, I still question whether his heart is fully into playing football.

 

I keep reading Morgan Burnett is going on the IR but can’t find out why? He was supposed to help the safety position, big blow.

 

Burnett and Hilton would be the most pressing for me. I haven't seen much on either