Well, if it's an ACL, I presume they have to put him on IR until he's healed/rehabbed anyway, don't they?
ISTM, the Packers have little to lose by letting him try to come back as a Packer next year.
The bulk of his contract's already been paid, after all. What's next year's salary number, 500k plus a roster bonus of another 500K.
Now if as that roster bonus comes due it looks like he's not going to be ready, that's one thing. But if the rehab goes well? A 500K roster bonus might be worth the risk.
And this of course assumes no lockout.
I think back to Eddie Lee Ivery. Injuries meant he never became the incredible star many of us expected when he was drafted. But despite the injuries of his early career, he went on to play 8 years as a solid-contributing Packer.
Or Mike Flanagan's early career.
Before this latest injury, Harrell was viewed by the Packers as their #5 DL. It seems to me that unless and until they are sure that they have at least 5 DL better, he hasn't "used his chances up."
It would be one thing if this was the bicep tearing again, or if it was the back. But getting an ankle rolled up isn't the same injury. And how is it different just because the person having it happens to be the same person who had bicep and back injuries in earlier years.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)