Michael Bennett Played With Torn Rotator Cuff
March 27th, 2013
When it was learned recently that former Bucs and current Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett had a torn rotator cuff, it backed up information Joe learned from a suit at One Buc Palace, who claimed one reason the Bucs let Bennett, their sack leader last season, walk is because the team was spooked his shoulder and ankle issues were not improving.
It seems the Bucs had solid information. Seattle general manager John Schneider conducted a radio interview Monday and said Bennett played last season with the same injury he will likely need surgery for, per BSPN.
Schneider said in the interview that it was his “understanding” that Bennett played with the injury last season when the 27-year-old had had a career-high nine sacks for the Buccaneers, starting all 16 games for the first time in his career.
Not only does this explain fully why Dominik waved goodbye to Bennett, it also may explain why Bennett’s numbers took a nosedive late in the season.
In the final five games, Bennett had but two sacks, both coming against the Eagles in that debacle of a loss at home.
March 27th, 2013 at 2:35 pm
I assume that the surgeries these players get is a lot better than the kind you or I would receive, but rotator cuff surgery is nasty. My father has a torn rotator cuff and it only got worse after the surgery, requiring a lot of therapy and his shoulder has been weaker ever since.
That’s too bad for Bennet, I hope get recovers well. Nasty injury to get for a young dude in his prime
March 27th, 2013 at 2:37 pm
So much for all those who wanted to Franchise him…..but…he will be a beast when he finally recovers.
March 27th, 2013 at 2:49 pm
If he recovers.
March 27th, 2013 at 2:57 pm
@Jrock,
Not necessarily. A torn rotator cuff is one of the hardest injuries to recover from, even with world class doctors and trainers. It is almost never fully healed and pain free. It has ended a ton of careers, much more than people realize. I’d take a torn ACL anyday over a rotator cuff. I highly suggest everyone who thinks he’ll just get a quick surgery and be fine to really do some research. It doesn’t work that way, not even close. Often times, surgery doesn’t help. A lot of people don’t even get surgery and opt to do therapy. Either way, it’s devastating, and almost never heals properly.
I really hate this for Bennett. This guy played through this injury, when he could have very easily packed it in (especially when we were out of the playoff chase). He’ll probably never get the payday he deserves. I wish him well and hope I’m wrong.
March 27th, 2013 at 2:58 pm
Off topic…The Brownies are going to be releasing Colt McCoy…maybe as soon as today. Thoughts on signing him as Freeman’s back-up?
March 27th, 2013 at 3:43 pm
@scotty
Mccoy doesn’t really fit the mold for our offensive scheme. He cant throw the deep ball and I think most teams worry about his size and ability to stay upright. His accuracy is better than Freeman but no zip on the ball lol. If I were to guess, he’ll be a third stringer for some team at the league minimum.
March 27th, 2013 at 3:50 pm
@Hawaiian: Great post. Feel the same. The guy worked his butt off as an undrafted free agent and a cast off from Seattle to become one of the best 4-3 LDEs in the league. I feel really sad for him that he may not see a big payday that he may have because of his injury. In a league where JaMarcus Russell and Eric Wright cash in big bucks, it is unfortunate that this specimen of hard work got injured right before he bloomed to be a beast.
March 27th, 2013 at 3:54 pm
Theres disputing reports on Doug Free’s future with the Cowboys. If he’s released (assuming he doesnt restructure) Ill be interested to see if Dominik tries to sign him. Remember the bucs pushed hard to get him for a high price a couple years ago although we were fortunately outbid by Dallas. With the bucs glaring need at right tackle, it might make sense to bring him in. This is assuming he doesn’t ask for crazy money and passes his physical. He hasnt been healthy since he signed that big contract.
March 27th, 2013 at 4:24 pm
I will admit I didn’t understand the logic by letting Bennett sign with another team, especially for a 1 year deal. There’s always more to the story and now it makes sense. Tough injury for a player required to fight off blockers on every play.
March 27th, 2013 at 4:28 pm
@Hawaiian Right on the money as always,I agree 100 %
March 27th, 2013 at 4:30 pm
I feel bad for the guy. I had a torn rotator cuff and the recovery and therapy were terrible. Took almost a year to recover and never has gotten back to full strength or mobility. Hated to see him leave, but I think it was a good call by Dom.
March 27th, 2013 at 4:51 pm
Could it be said, that without the injury, he could have actually had more than 9 sacks? Could Dominik have given up prematurely? ..or did he feel that Bennett’s long term prognosis would be pretty grim after necessary surgery? You know without the apparent injury Bennett may have been in the teens last season.
March 27th, 2013 at 5:02 pm
Arms and shoulders are important to rush the passer. They are need to fight off linemen. Remember Simeon Rice’s should injury that retired him?
Sad thing is, Bennett played injured FOR THE TEAM… then after the season, after he did further damage to his shoulder, the team said “Eh, your hurt.”
March 27th, 2013 at 6:00 pm
Just like legs and knees are important for CB’s….much different for any offensive skill position to come back from severe knee injury than it it for a CB. Offense is proactive, defense is reactive. MUCH more stress on a CB. I think we’re gonna regret this Revis deal…but its Dominiks last stand, as it should be!
March 27th, 2013 at 6:11 pm
buccanay Says; “I think we’re gonna regret this Revis deal” It hasn’t happened but, if does I agree! The whole situation has too many unknowns and maybes. It does not pass the smell test. Gotta wonder about the comparative risk in getting Grimes. My uneducated choice is Grimes. Do it and move on to moving up for Dee Milner.
March 27th, 2013 at 6:23 pm
@mr patrick you sir r dead on, close to 8 months to get close to 100% after a tear and the arm is so weak after surgery… 9 sacks is still very good and overall ihe was top 5 with an injury dont want to imagine his numbers if he did get hurt. I think bucs will regret letting him walk.
March 27th, 2013 at 7:08 pm
unless the issue can effectively heal with time, i think bennett made a backwards move in his career. what will be his market value after going from starter to part-time player, from presumed healthy to “injured and getting more injured every snap”, and one season closer to an inevitable surgery and rehab? the only way this helps him towards a long term deal is if fewer reps will give him a better chance to recover or if the seahawks win the superbowl and he cashes in like so many overrated players before him
March 27th, 2013 at 7:12 pm
@Buc Fan #238 – bennett may have played through injury for the team, or he may have played through injury because he was in a contract year and didn’t want to be labeled as soft or miss a chance to put valuable tape out there. i don’t assume he did it all for the team, as an NFL player fighting for a long term deal that sets you up for life, sometimes you get stuck between a rock and a hard place. i’m betting he and his agent thought it was best for him to show everything he could this year and pray for a weak DE market and $10 mil or more guaranteed by whoever was willing
March 27th, 2013 at 9:20 pm
he played injured more so for the money- contract year
March 27th, 2013 at 10:08 pm
To assume he played injured for the money does nothing more than make an arse out of you. You don’t know him, nor do you know what motivates him. It’s real easy for you to sit on your little computer and pretend to know anything. He’s played with nagging injuries the year before last too. Was that for the money? You ought to be embarrassed, but like most know it all people, I doubt you are.