Koetter Keeps Door Cracked For VJax
October 23rd, 2016
Still a chance to play in 2016?
When the Bucs placed wide receiver Vincent Jackson on injured reserve last week, it sure seemed as if that was the end of Jackson’s days with the Bucs.
Jackson, in the final year of his contract, suffered an ACL injury against the Panthers, which sure seems to have signaled the end of his career.
Yes, Jackson could be eligible to return from IR, but with an ACL injury to a 33-year old receiver, chances appear grim.
However, last week on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Bucs coach Dirk Koetter talked some specifics with Jackson’s injury and seemed to be holding out hope that Jackson could still return to play, if the Bucs are in the hunt for a meaningful January game.
“Believe it or not, they haven’t confirmed Vincent has a totally torn ACL yet,” Koetter said. “We are waiting on a second opinion. Vincent and his wife have their third child due any day now so; Vincent has been juggling some family issues.
“Vincent doesn’t even know what point in the game he hurt his knee. He finished the game and had two huge catches in the final drive. [Not] until the next day when he came in for an injury check, that’s when his knee was a little swollen. We know he will be out for a while.”
Unless the first exam of Jackson’s knee was totally off base, it seems like desperation to believe Jackson will be back. But stranger things have happened. If the Bucs lose today, Joe doesn’t think fans or Jackson himself should be too concerned about a desperate attempt to return to the field this season.
October 23rd, 2016 at 7:20 am
I had a knee injury doing military duty with unclear damage…an ACL that was partially torn, and the MRI report said “contiguous fibers are seen that suggest an ACL at least partially intact.” The docs assumed I was good, and I rehabbed my MCL and went about normal business but over time, what was left of the ACL got weaker, so it gave out and I had to have ACL replacement surgery anyway. Realizing no one cares about MY knee, my point is this explains why VJax didn’t know where he did it, and frankly, this might have happened last year when he strained his MCL. It may also explain why his juice this year just hasn’t been there–I was never full speed and ony when I went back and said something wasn’t right and only getting worse, did they fix it. Here’s hoping he may be able to come back, if just for a bit.
October 23rd, 2016 at 7:52 am
As someone who has worked in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine for the past 15 years, I’ll weigh n here and say that even if it is “partially torn” it is functionally going to be the same as a fully torn ACL in a high level athlete. There are some instances where the ACL (which is made up of more than one bundle of tissue) can have an intact bundle after injury, but it really wouldn’t be recommended to try to play professional football with it. This season is out for VJ83 unless something was misreported originally
October 23rd, 2016 at 8:03 am
Ha! Stupid coach speak. V-Jax’s career is over. He gets to retire at 33 as a multi-millionaire. Thanks for the memories.
October 23rd, 2016 at 8:48 am
@Fred E. Buc
Thank you for sharing that.
@Bucsrm
I agree, though I’m certainly not qualified in any way to speak medically. I do, however, agree that his year is done. He might continue playing another year or two once recovered…or maybe he won’t. He’s at a good age to retire, really. And the money is there for him now.
He was good for Tampa. My only regret when we have good players is that if we cannot achieve overall success, it feels like their time here is wasted.
For example, had we better defensive line talent, Gerald McCoy likely would have been a 14 sack guy long before now.
October 23rd, 2016 at 8:49 am
“Negative Jeff”
Username checks out.
October 23rd, 2016 at 9:04 am
I’m more concerned with the game plan today. This 49ers defense is horrible. Will we play conservative ball that will keep them in the game like we did with that awful panthers defense??
October 23rd, 2016 at 9:30 am
I want V-Jax back next year!!
I would love to keep him as Mike Evan’s back-up, mentor, and big brother.
Of course, he would have to sign a Vet minimum deal for 1-2 years, but I would love to keep his energy and intelligence in our locker room.
But we still need to sign Alshon Jeffery or Terrell Pryor in the off-season and draft a speedster.
But V-Jax would be welcome in Tampa Bay if he doesn’t want to retire!
Love you bro!
October 23rd, 2016 at 9:41 am
Bonzi
Just more BS excuses. McCoy would never be a 14 sack guy. I don’t care who you have on the line with him. He’s fragile and does not have the determination nor drive to reach that level of success. All mccoy has is a good first step that is it. Stop with excuses. McCoy’s heart will never match his first step. Most overrated buc of all time. He will be on IR and the fan boys will be making more excuses within 4 weeks.
October 23rd, 2016 at 9:44 am
Vjax is finished bucs need talented football players that are reliable not broken down has beens in a big brother / mentor role. Might be the stupidest thing written all week teacherman777
October 23rd, 2016 at 9:46 am
Teacherman777 forgive me second stupidest post this week you were beat out by a dumbass bringing up climate change while discussing injuries
October 23rd, 2016 at 10:42 am
More of a reason for us to draft a burner at WR next year. Evans is good but lacks break away speed. And he’s hit or miss for catching the damn ball. Is it just me or does any one else hold their breath when a ball is thrown his way. Like V-Jax and his contribution to the team over the years , but it’s definitely time to kove on snd get youger at WR. JMO…
October 23rd, 2016 at 11:48 am
IMO, a healthy Cecil Short > than an ailing, aging VJax.
I don’t see this as a step-down at all, considering how little VJax contributed so far this season.
October 23rd, 2016 at 12:24 pm
I totally agree, we need a real burner of a wide receiver who can take the top off of defenses. I too think we have seen the last of VJ playing in Tampa.
Too bad about Dye being so out of shape. He has great speed