TheBradyBunch
Footballguy
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2007/...p_for_deba.html
Jones' status still up for debate
by Tom KowalskiThursday August 30, 2007, 11:10 PM
DETROIT -- A final decision on the short-term future of Kevin Jones must be made by 4 p.m. Saturday.
As the Detroit Lions braintrust gathers at the Allen Park practice facility Friday to begin discussing the final moves in shaping the 53-man roster, the Lions running back will be the focus of debate.
According to a source close to the situation, the doctor and trainers involved in Jones' rehabilitation from Lisfranc surgery on his left foot have -- or soon will -- advise Lions president Matt Millen that Jones should remain on the Physically Unable to Perform list. That would mean Jones would miss the first six weeks of the regular season. Because the Lions have a bye in Week 6, Jones only will miss five games.
According to the source, Jones' foot is structurally sound and has healed nearly 100 percent from the surgery that was performed last December. Dr. Richard Anderson, who performed the surgery, re-examined Jones on Thursday and, according to the source, agreed with the assessment of the Lions medical staff that Jones still isn't ready to play NFL football and should remain on the PUP list. Jones was informed of Dr. Anderson's decision Thursday afternoon.
The concern among the medical staff, according to the source, isn't about Jones' foot, but about other potential problems that could arise with his left ankle, knee, hamstring and hip because of Jones' long layoff. They believe that Jones, who is only 8½ months removed from surgery, needs more time to completely recover.
Here's where the debate comes in.
If Jones stays on the PUP list, he cannot practice with the team and only can do individual drills on the sideline. While Jones can continue to build his stamina and improve his conditioning and overall lower body strength, he can't take part in any padded practices.
Jones, along with some members of the offensive coaching staff, believe if Jones comes off the PUP list now, he can take part in practices and get into better "football shape.'' The Lions can then place Jones on the inactive list on the day of the game until he's ready to play.
By doing so, the theory is that Jones will be ready to be activated and play by the third or fourth game of the season, maybe even the second game.
The issue could come down to whether Millen and coach Rod Marinelli want to use a roster spot on a player whose return to action is unknown. At the moment, the Lions are in relatively good health so sacrificing a spot at the bottom of the roster isn't a big factor. However, there's no telling how long that situation is going to last.
Jones' status still up for debate
by Tom KowalskiThursday August 30, 2007, 11:10 PM
DETROIT -- A final decision on the short-term future of Kevin Jones must be made by 4 p.m. Saturday.
As the Detroit Lions braintrust gathers at the Allen Park practice facility Friday to begin discussing the final moves in shaping the 53-man roster, the Lions running back will be the focus of debate.
According to a source close to the situation, the doctor and trainers involved in Jones' rehabilitation from Lisfranc surgery on his left foot have -- or soon will -- advise Lions president Matt Millen that Jones should remain on the Physically Unable to Perform list. That would mean Jones would miss the first six weeks of the regular season. Because the Lions have a bye in Week 6, Jones only will miss five games.
According to the source, Jones' foot is structurally sound and has healed nearly 100 percent from the surgery that was performed last December. Dr. Richard Anderson, who performed the surgery, re-examined Jones on Thursday and, according to the source, agreed with the assessment of the Lions medical staff that Jones still isn't ready to play NFL football and should remain on the PUP list. Jones was informed of Dr. Anderson's decision Thursday afternoon.
The concern among the medical staff, according to the source, isn't about Jones' foot, but about other potential problems that could arise with his left ankle, knee, hamstring and hip because of Jones' long layoff. They believe that Jones, who is only 8½ months removed from surgery, needs more time to completely recover.
Here's where the debate comes in.
If Jones stays on the PUP list, he cannot practice with the team and only can do individual drills on the sideline. While Jones can continue to build his stamina and improve his conditioning and overall lower body strength, he can't take part in any padded practices.
Jones, along with some members of the offensive coaching staff, believe if Jones comes off the PUP list now, he can take part in practices and get into better "football shape.'' The Lions can then place Jones on the inactive list on the day of the game until he's ready to play.
By doing so, the theory is that Jones will be ready to be activated and play by the third or fourth game of the season, maybe even the second game.
The issue could come down to whether Millen and coach Rod Marinelli want to use a roster spot on a player whose return to action is unknown. At the moment, the Lions are in relatively good health so sacrificing a spot at the bottom of the roster isn't a big factor. However, there's no telling how long that situation is going to last.
Just dropped Bell for Sammy MorrisI drank the Bell Kool Aid and got 
