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We are hearing from Collins that he expects to play. If he is cleared by his doc's but not the Packers doc's will be interesting. As to your question, I voted cleared.
From the Packer update article earlier this month I didn't know Terrance Murphy wanted to keep playing and was willing to take the risk of spinal injury despite being released.

That no other NFL team bucked GB's decision and picked up Murphy tells me if the Packers deny Collins it's a pretty sure bet his career is done in the NFL.

But I too voted cleared. You've got Manning whos nerves in his spinal cord still aren't fully healed (has had 4 surgeries) and he's been cleared. I understand they are 2 different positions but Collins has had no set backs, no additional surgeries and according to him his recovery has gone as good as it can.

We should find out soon.
quote:
Originally posted by Floridarob:
I remember reading too that TT asked MM if it was his son would he want him playing again.


This

The few quotes I have read from MM on this topic make it sound like he is reluctant to play Collins again, cleared or not. The thing is, I'm certainly no doc, but when it comes to the neck/spine, can anyone truly define or quantify the risk? This is going to be a tough decision.
Is Collins injury similar to Sharp's neck injury but not as severe? I think Sterling had two vertebrae fused? I wonder if there is any higher risk of another injury or permanent damage with the injury that Collins has had compared to any other player. If so, I can't see how he would take that risk. For one thing, I think you wouldn't be the same player because the possible injury potential would always be there and you would play with so much caution to not get hurt.
I sadly doubt that Nick Collins will play NFL football again.The loss of his excellent play will be exceedingly difficult to replace for several seasons. I hope my pessimistic opinion is invalid and that he can safely play this coming season. If Manning attempts to play this season I'd question his rationality after 4 spinal operations.
Judging by the release of both Jeremy Thompson and Terrence Murphy because of neck injuries under TT/MM, I would doubt the Packers doctors clear Collins even if his doctor does. Just not worth having a player, who has had a neck injury that means next time it get hurts could be paralysis, play for your team.
quote:
Originally posted by Herschel:
Wasn't it a neck injury that also ended Gary Berry's career his rookie season in 2000?


Yes, I think he injured it on a kickoff, maybe in a preseason game.
I agree with most here that I don't expect Collins to return and don't want him to risk a debilitating injury by returning. I admire and applaud TT and MM for what appears to be their conservative, health of the player approach.

The factor that may be the difference in this case may or may not be the nature of his injury compared to the other players mentioned in this thread. If Collins is truly healed and his risk of re-injury is not a real issue, no matter how conservative TT and MM want to be, I think they will have an issue telling Collins not to come back and cutting him if he is determined to come back anyways. In fact, there could be some some legal/CBA/contractual issues. I would hate to see it come do that and hope that whatever conclusion that Collins,the Packers and the doctors come to is agreed to by all parties.
I think Sterling Sharpe is the better comparison. He also had two vertebrae fused together in his neck and didn't have spinal stenosis. Sharpe never played again, which makes me think Collins won't either.
I commented on Collins possible return several months ago on a previous post. I really don't think it would be a good idea for him to return. In 2001 I had cervical fusion on the 5, 6,7 vertebra. My surgeon said it was good enough to jump out of an airplane and not have any problems. So went back to my normal routine by fishing professionally, which I had to endure many long rough trips in bass boats on large lakes. Well, in 2005 my spinal cord had compressed against the vertebra and had to have a second fusion this time on the 3 - 4 vertebra. Had to give up fishing professionally because the nerves never regenerated. Manning and Collins situation is different as that Collins will have to hit someone on most plays increasing his chance of reinjury.
As much as I would like to Collins play again, I think he would not be cleared by the team even if the doctors cleared him.
quote:
Originally posted by RoyalWulff:
In case Collins can't play, how about signing FA Jim Leonhard? Call it Badger bias, but everytime I see the guy play I see a gutsy player.


He was a bargain when he signed with the Jets....I think 3 years at $6M. But he's been injured quite a bit. I'd love a flyer on Jimmy. He can return punts too in the event that Cobb's role grows at wideout and they want to limit hits to him.

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