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In an ideal world, your favorite NFL team's new starting quarterback would never get hurt, gradually pick up the team's new offense during preseason and play through any and all injuries at all times. In reality, though, all that's impossible. Players get hurt and things don't always go according to plan. You have to adjust and minimize the damage.
That's why I can't get all worked up over Donovan McNabb missing Friday's preseason game against the Jets. I understand that starters traditionally play more in later preseason games, meaning the Redskins will miss out on a chance to get McNabb more accustomed to the new offense. I also understand that McNabb has an injury history that's concerning.
But at the end of the day, it's not worth risking further injury to McNabb. The Redskins are playing the Jets, one of the best defenses in the league, and if last weekend is any indication, they would have had a lot of problems protecting McNabb. I'd rather McNabb rest up and get fully healthy than be put in a difficult situation against a great defense in a preseason game.
It's not ideal for McNabb to be hurt already, but it is what it is. There's no reason to freak out over the Redskins being cautious with him during the preseason.
Today's must-reads from around the SB Nation network:
- This is a day old, but since the Mystics' playoff run begins tonight, I wanted to point out Swish Appeal's argument that Julie Plank should be the WNBA's Coach of the Year.
- Albert Haynesworth is way out of his league messing with Mike Shanahan, writes Hogs Haven.
- Maryland football has tended to get off to slow starts under Ralph Friedgen, but that can't happen again if Friedgen wants to keep his job, writes Testudo Times.