Okay Patriots fans.  For those of you who are worried about Tom Brady not having played a down yet this preseason I present you two reasons why it’s been the smart way to go.
1. Shawne Merriman – The San Diego linebacker has two torn ligaments in his left knee that he suffered in training camp and has been playing on.
Merriman told two San Diego newspapers that he has a torn posterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament. The LCL stabilizes the knee on the outside while the PCL keeps the shin bone from sliding too far backward.
Merriman was told he could suffer a career ending injury if he continues to play on it without surgery and doctors were amazed he was playing up to this point. It is unknown at this time if he minor surgery will correct it and he could return at some point this season or if he will miss the season with major reconstructive surgery.
2. Osi Umenyiora – The New York Giants defensive lineman who was so impressive in the Super Bowl along with the rest of the front seven was carted off the field in a meaningless preseason game against the New York Jets after his knee locked up and he couldn’t bare weight. X-rays were negative but Umenyiora will undergo more extensive medical tests on Sunday.
There is absolutely no reason to get the NFL MVP dinged up or worse in a meaningless game because some 22-year old free agent is trying to make a team. Case closed.
Reason #3 while not as serious is not good for Cincinnati.
CINCINNATI — Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer got roughed up again during a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints on Saturday night, leaving late in the first half with a bloody nose and a cut lip.
Palmer was sacked three times in the first half, the last on a safety blitz by Kevin Kaesviharn with 2 seconds left. He walked off the field with blood spilling down the front of his face, then headed to the locker room with a towel covering his head. He didn’t return for the second half.
It’s not like he isn’t practicing and getting reps in at practice, the Patriots will be fine. The worrisome part is some of the offensive line still not practicing or playing.
Umenyiora is out for the season the Giants will place him on IR.
Palmer has a broken nose.
Jason Taylor is out two weeks with an knee injury and will probably miss the Redskins Week 1 game.
Preseason is just too damn dangerous especially when the backups appear shaky at best.