Panthers: Davis begins rehab

Panthers: Davis begins rehab
by Fanball Staff - Fanball.com
Friday, January 28, 2005

News
Panthers' running back Stephen Davis ran in a pool for the first time since undergoing microfracture surgery on his right knee. "He said it went really well and the knee felt great," Davis' agent David Canter told the Charlotte Observer on Thursday. "He feels like he's going to be better than ever. As a matter of fact, he feels like it's going to be something that actually helps him and it's going to add years to his career." No timetable has been set for Davis' return, although he hopes to play next season.

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We're not surprised that Davis' agent is painting such a rosy picture of the situation. The truth of the matter is that Panthers' officials are seriously questioning whether Davis can return from this injury. Former Panthers' wide receiver Patrick Jeffers underwent the same surgery and never recovered. Contrarily, Panthers' running back DeShaun Foster made a full recovery after having the same procedure performed on his knee. Keep in mind, there is a six-year age difference between Davis and Foster. And given Foster's injury history, we won't be surprised if the Panthers pursue a running back via free agency or the draft.

Travis Henry maybe?

 

I prefer draft over Henry.

 

If our back is drafted on the second day do you want him to carry the load?

 

Travis Henry is a proven malcontent. We have no place here for his attitude.

PLus, he's big $$. Davis won't be released. We need a guy who will be willing to be the #3 back if Davis and Foster are good, and Davis and Foster being good id the first choice. That guy is NOT Travis Henry.

 

:applause:


Foster will likely get every chance to win the job.

 

Why do we need to follow that strategy? Why not replace Davis and Foster with one reliable guy who will be here for several years? Davis is probably at the end of his career and Foster has missed more games than he has played. Maybe Henry is not the guy for us but if we can get a guy who can be better and more reliable than Davis and Foster there is no reason he must be willing to accept third string status. If that is all we want then just go with Goings.

Davis and Foster remind me a lot of Jefers and Timmy right now. One has one good year and is done and the other lingers forever but never gets healthy enough to get the job done.

 

I didn't suggest we stick with a strategy. I suggested that Travis Henry is not the man for us. I think it would be unwise NOT to pursue another potential starter. But Travis Henry isn't that guy, and b/c of the $$ commanded by starting NFL running backs, I think we need to look to the draft to find that guy.

Who in free agency, that will cost $1 million or less, is capable of beating DAvis and Foster and Goings for a starting job, and would also be productive as the #3 back if needed? I can't think of anyone. If you can, please discuss.

A 3rd round pick would cost half that. And might be a great back (Davis was a 4th rounder).

 

Don't think Henry would be a good guy here either. Who are some of the other FA possiblities? He'd have to be both cheap and relatively durable. With all the injuries this season I would like to believe that our guys will bring in someone who does not have any significant injury history, but who? That's why the draft seems to make the most sense IMO . . . cheaper and fresher.
I would be shocked if we did not draft a RB unless Davis' knee somehow miraculously heals by then.

 

How 'bout Eric Shelton, Kay-Jay Harris, or Clarett if he is still there with our 3rd will we be the team to roll the dice on him . . . maybe he's matured enough by now to seriously consider.

 

I'm thinking we draft a RB 3rd or 4th who can return kicks