JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- It's disappointing that Cam Ward, who was on track to play every snap of his rookie season, got hurt in the first quarter of the Tennessee Titans finale.
He went to the ground at the front right corner of the end zone as he completed a 7-yard touchdown run, finishing the sort of play the team didn't really call for him this season.
He went to the locker room shortly thereafter, initially called questionable with a right shoulder injury as Brandon Allen took over, then after a couple series reclassified as out.
We don't know if that's out, as in it makes no sense to put him back in the game and expose him to any further risk, or out, he physically couldn't play any more.
You certainly hope for the first and that it's nothing that interrupts a regular offseason for him. But it's discouraging that he hasn't re-emerged on the sideline.
Please, please let's not spend a lot of time debating that he shouldn't have played or that he shouldn't have been asked to run on a play that worked.
He's been durable all season. You don't cap that by bubble wrapping him for the finale, you let him finish what he started. And while he's playing you don't restrict your playbook while you're trying to spring an upset, you let him go.
There is always a degree of risk. There is always a degree of luck. We'll learn more after the game about the severity.
That won't change my mind. Because there is always a degree of risk. There is always a degree of luck.
Check back for more at PaulKuharsky.com after the game.