The big news yesterday Chiefs-wise was that first-round pick and future franchise LT (we hope!) Branden Albert might play against the Patriots on Sunday. While I am eager to see Albert play, I don’t want us to hinder his long-term progress because we rushed him back for a game I don’t think we can win. I’m not trying to be pessimistic here, I’m just trying to look at this situation pragmatically, and think of our best long-term interests. It’s certainly a tough call.
Your call: should the Chiefs play Albert against the Pats?
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I say let him play, If he feels comfortable enough with it might as well let him get started with a bang. I think he’ll do alright and it will be a true test.
This goes without saying…but if he is ready let him play…Although I would be fine letting him go another week and then his first game will be home (and I will be there)…
I agree, I think he HAS to play if he’s ready. It sends the wrong message to the whole team if you don’t play him as soon as he gets healthy. Besides, how can he ever become a top rated LT if we don’t let him play against guys like Richard Seymour? So what if he gets his clock cleaned a few times. Seymour does that to All Pro LT’s too. What makes Branden Albert a special case? This is the NFL, and he’s a 1st rounder specifically taken to play LT. Strap it on and go man.
Go Chiefs!
Absolutely play him. Worst case, Herbie gets a few more reps than he might otherwise. Long term, how can it hurt?
I don’t think you could keep him out if he is healthy anyway. He wants to play. He is just as hungry to shove people around as Swamp Thing is!
the posts are terminally cool when everyone’s avatar comes up… what a great addition to the site guys!
How can it hurt? The injury can continue to linger, impairing his footwork, strength and ability to practice or do any conditioning work.
True I suppose. But Herm of all people should certainly understand the value of the investment in Albert. I highly doubt that risk of further/lingering injury is high on the list of considerations if he is actually contemplating playing him. I suspect the only real consideration is whether Albert’s limited practice time and game experience has adequately prepared him for the task at hand. Only one way to find out.
Albert should play even if he doesn’t play or start for the whole game. He needs the experience against a Super Bowl caliber team. And who knows…he might be awesome!