So much for John Henderson getting back into the defensive line rotation and helping to improve the horrendous run defense. Vittorio Tafur spotted Henderson on crutches today and then later confirmed with Tom Cable that the veteran defensive tackle will be out of commission for another 2 to 5 weeks.
Cable tried to downplay the injury saying it is “not a big deal” and that the only reason for the prolonged recovery time is because Henderson is “a big man”.
Sure, just like Nick Miller only had shin splints last year and Chaz Schilens was only supposed to be out for a month too.
You’ve got to give it to Coach Cable. He’s either and eternal optimist or he’s just getting lip service from the training staff.
Either way, the Raiders are minus an asset in the front seven which is currently one of the most-help-needed areas on the roster. Having just released Jay Alford yesterday, it is unlikely the team will pursue adding another DT this late in the week. Surely the staff must have been aware of Henderson’s status before today.
Whatever the case, it’s another week of watching Richard Seymour, Tommy Kelly and Desmond Bryant getting dominated by opposing blockers. Hopefully Cable can light a fire under Seymour and Kelly by getting the two highly paid D-lineman to actually earn their checks. If that day comes then it won’t really matter how long it takes Henderson to recovery from his broken foot.
Original Story:
http://justblogbaby.com/2010/10/06/jo...
