Report: Jake Butt to undergo knee scope, IR in play
I feel like I've written this story 10 times before. It's been reported by James Palmer of NFL Network that Denver Broncos' TE Jake Butt will 'undergo a minor procedure on his knee'.
Mike Klis provided additional insight. Butt is having his knee scoped.
That means Butt is likely headed for IR, as Klis ruminates and as we've been writing all week. Klis sees that as a possible conflict because the Broncos have so many short-term IR candidates. I'm not sure it's really that complicated.
Teams can only bring two players back off IR. True. And it can only be after eight weeks of the season.
I doubt the injured Andy Janovich or Theo Riddick will be IR'd, but even if they are, it shouldn't complicate the Butt decision. Both Jano and Riddick are expected to return in late September, so the only reason to put either on IR is to preserve the roster spot while they heal up, but it comes with pros and cons.
What Denver loses if anyone is put on IR are those eight weeks. So even if Butt, or Janovich, or Riddick are good to go four weeks into the season, it matters not. Per league rule, they have to sit out eight weeks.
I don't envy the Broncos their decisions. The team has been hit pretty hard by the injury bug this summer.
But I feel for Jake Butt. If I'm in that room at Dove Valley discussing Butt's future, I'm advocating for putting him on IR so that he can get the time he needs to recover without the immediate pressure to play.
Eight weeks down the road, kick Butt's tires. If he seems good to go and can run without experiencing soreness the next day, activate him. If not, keep him on ice until 2020 and make your long-term decision then.
Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen.
