Thompson: Defensive lineman Justin Harrell's career is not over. "No one's talking in those terms," he said. Refusing to specify whether it was exactly the same back issue, Thompson would only say that he thinks the doctors have pinpointed the problem and how to treat it.

---

That would mean you think alot.

---

I wish him the best. I can only imagine what its like trying to play defensive tackle with a bad back. It just doesnt look like it's gonna happen. He already got his money. No it doesnt hurt to keep him at his small salary. It would only hurt if we ever depended on him and with drafting Raji, doesnt look like we are.

---

When I read this post, I pictured you with this type of face. LOL.

Harrell is only 25. I say let the medical staff do what they do. If the back issue projects as a [continued] chronic issue, then give him the boot. I understand he's taking up a spot, but IMO it IS relevant that he's a "great kid." Character shouldn't only be relevant in regards to guys who lack it completely. Or simply: good character is ... good.

---

If he's taking up a spot on the roster it's no big deal. If he's taking a spot on the roster that could be filled be a good player or a player with good potential, then they have a tough decsion to make. The latter seems to be the case.

---

you guys are so impatient...give the kid some more time! ;)

the kid is done, and nobody should feel bad for him. he got paid an ass-load of money for doing absolutely nothing for his employer. thats called a sweet deal people.

putting him on the IR is probably the most sensible thing to do, but as somebody mentioned before it seems pretty pointless. regardless of what Ted Thompson says on the matter, Mr. Harrell himself sounds defeated.

---

I'm going to have to pipe in here - now I dont know the full circumstances so I could be way off here ...

This is why I always tell my disc patients to always do conservative care first; if you jump to get surgery - you cant go back from it and statistically surgery is not as good as chiropractic for disc problems. Let alone many people have to get another one ... and their back keeps getting compromised because of the damage that is being done to the person With the surgery.

IMO 2 surgies done to a back and the person still has problems - not good. I dont know what he had done previous to surgery but surgery shouldnt of been done before the more conservative options were considered unless severe nerological impingement (loss of bladder/bowl function IMO).

ok I said my peace ...

I wish him the best

exactly, i can't see Harrell coming back. Best to look at other options.

---

For some reason I can't give up on him. He's like that kid that everyone makes fun of because he throws like a girl and you root for him to one time just fire a rocket from the outfield to homeplate to get someone out at home to win the game. I just want one time to him to just come out there and make a huge play and get some cheers.

I don't know why, he just has a special place in my heart, lol.

---

i know how you feel but i don't foresee a change here. it's like throwing money into a well.

in other news, does anybody know what our team-wide injury status is? i feel like we're in better shape this preseason than last but would love to see a real list with speculation.

---