One of the reasons I really enjoy this game, is there's a constant influx of new things (seemingly) each time I play. Maybe not new to y'all, but I'm
still a Noob, and will consider myself one until I've played (at least) a year.
Now, on to why I'm posting:
I have completely changed my approach as it pertains to injured players, specifically the "
probable" variety. I've gone from not playing them, to playing them (depending on the injured body part, and the severity as listed on the percentage meter) back to not playing them. I've read about the potential long term effect (on early retirement) from oft injured players, plus I've experienced those "Courtney Brown" type players (never hurt in college while playing for Penn State) then upon coming into the pros (
2000 Number ONE overall pick in the Draft) as an outstanding draftee, (At the Penn State pro day Brown measured 6'4?" 271-pounds, ran a 4.52 seconds forty-yard dash, had a vertical leap of 37" and bench-pressed 225 pounds 26 times) couldn't make the practice field as he was constantly injured.
This week for my wild card game vs Seattle (congrat's again to Seattle on their win) I had 2 players listed as questionable, along with 4 probable injuries.
What concerned me
more had to do with 2 of my key (27 TD's between them) players (RB Kelly <foot> and WR Bugg <hand>) probable injuries in week 14. After one week rest, I believe their injury notification was removed from the top right corner, but when you looked at their health, they were not yet at 100 %. I sat them a second week, hoping to have them at full strength for the playoffs. When I prepared for the game, I noticed the condition of BOTH Kelly and Bugg were at 85%.
Does this happen often? I'm not sure if I've just missed this, or
is it something new? After the game, Kelly's condition was listed at 89% while Bugg was at 100% Certainly with their injuries they would have been riding a bike or whatever else the trainer prescribed for them. I could see that happening more in the beginning of the season, rather than in week 17? I reduced my fatigue from a "normal" 50% to 40% and lowered their positions on the depth chart by one position.
Phew! That was a long way to ask if these post injury experiences are new? And what do YOU do when faced with a player who's conditioning is low and the season is in progress?
Thanks in advance for your help, comments and suggestions.