The Detroit Lions have two games remaining on what will be yet another season without a playoff appearance, and as such, they should be looking ahead to the future while protecting their most important assets that may eventually help them taste success.
One of those top assets is running back Kerryon Johnson – a key figure in Detroit’s offensive scheme who has already had a history of injuries in his young career.
http://gty.im/1178331671
And yet, he’s been cleared from IR and is expected to suit up Sunday against the Denver Broncos.
He shouldn’t be allowed to.
Simply put – if the Lions allow Johnson to suit up for meaningless football and risk further injury, the organization as a whole will be guilty of malfeasance.
Never mind what Johnson “want” to do. We all know the competitive desire that burns within NFL players. Of course he “wants” to get back out there.
Johnson was quoted as saying that he intends to play as much as possible:
“For me, as stupid as some people may see it, I like to play,” he said. “I did all this work in the offseason, all this work in the summer, and I didn’t do it to play five games.”
That’s great, Kerryon. Save that desire for next season when it will actually matter.
It will truly be a shame to see either of these players risk further injury to participate in meaningless football “just because”. I get that these players want to be in game action regardless of their team’s record.
The Lions organization must protect their assets for the future. Capitulating to those assets desire to risk further injury for no reason other than competitive desire is negligent, short-sighted, and as mentioned, pure malfeasance.
There is no reason for either player to suit up again this season. None. His job is already secured for next season.
Save the competitive juices for 2020, because 2019 is a lost cause.
– – Quote courtesy of Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press – – Link
