Minnesota Sports Forum

Kalil on the IR so now Clemmings is at LT. It would be great if he can be decent but it will also be interesting beyond this year if he could be the guy at that spot or maybe he becomes the RT for the next few years since Smith will be a FA.

Too bad, but the right move. I had the binoculars on him a lot Sunday night, and he was clearly in pain most of the night...and getting beat a lot. He's never missed a start and might be the toughest player in the league, but he wasn't getting the job done with his hip injury. Really scary going against Carolina with a 2nd year guy at LT though.

longstrangetrip wrote:Too bad, but the right move. I had the binoculars on him a lot Sunday night, and he was clearly in pain most of the night...and getting beat a lot. He's never missed a start and might be the toughest player in the league, but he wasn't getting the job done with his hip injury. Really scary going against Carolina with a 2nd year guy at LT though.

I like Kalil seems like at least a solid player and a likable guy really. He just can't seem to stay healthy. It's too bad. There is a lot of money sitting on that IR. Sigh

monsterpile wrote:

longstrangetrip wrote:Too bad, but the right move. I had the binoculars on him a lot Sunday night, and he was clearly in pain most of the night...and getting beat a lot. He's never missed a start and might be the toughest player in the league, but he wasn't getting the job done with his hip injury. Really scary going against Carolina with a 2nd year guy at LT though.

I like Kalil seems like at least a solid player and a likable guy really. He just can't seem to stay healthy. It's too bad. There is a lot of money sitting on that IR. Sigh

Yeah, a LOT of money on IR...yikes! I've actually heard that Kalil is not that likable, and when healthy, his nasty streak is a factor in why he can be so dominant. In fact someone told me the left side combo of Kalil/Boone could be the meanest pair in the league, and I'm okay with that. But you're right...it's really too bad that a guy like Kalil with the size, ability and makeup to be a perennial all-pro just can't stay healthy.

I saw someone say sign back Sullivan. Move Boone to LT, Berger to LG, and Sullivan can start at Center. Not the worst idea I have heard. I thought Clemmings looked okay at LT in preseason, but not beating out Smith at RT is telling, but then again he just might have been more valuable as the swing tackle knowing Kalil was hurting.

bleedspeed177 wrote:I saw someone say sign back Sullivan. Move Boone to LT, Berger to LG, and Sullivan can start at Center. Not the worst idea I have heard. I thought Clemmings looked okay at LT in preseason, but not beating out Smith at RT is telling, but then again he just might have been more valuable as the swing tackle knowing Kalil was hurting.

I think Clemmings was gonna have to be terrific to beat out Andre Smith. It just made sense to stick Andre Smith at RT and go. It seems they worked Clemmings at LT for a reason and now that looks smart as he is needed there and once again ends up as a starting tackle for this team.

The oline coming out of the offseason was deep with options even if they weren't all amazing there was a lot of depth. Where are we now?

Loadholt retired
Sullivan cut
Kalil out for a long time maybe the whole season
Harris out with some non football related issue and seems unlikely to be returning anytime soon.

Those are all some legit NFL players not on the roster and while at least one guy not being around at this point is expected not having a guy like Harris hurts a bit.

I don't know if a total oline shuffling that bringing back Sullivan would bring about is a good idea but it's something to consider. I'd assume they feel good about their options all around if they were willing to cut Sullivan who must be waiting for a team to lose a starting C to an injury. As it's been said a couple times if Kalil was struggling with the hip injury Clemmings could be better or at least not really a downgrade from what Kalil was doing gutting it out.

Didn't Kalil sit out some in camp? He didn't practice part of the week? It seemed like they knew this was coming and hoped it wouldn't get worse.

I like the idea of Sullivan or seeing if a guy like Jake Long in for a look.

I think the Sullivan thing isn't going to work...rumors of bad blood between him and the team, especially Zimmer. Maybe if he really needed the money and there were no other options, but I think some team will sign him within a couple weeks.

longstrangetrip wrote:I think the Sullivan thing isn't going to work...rumors of bad blood between him and the team, especially Zimmer. Maybe if he really needed the money and there were no other options, but I think some team will sign him within a couple weeks.

Would you care to elaborate on the bad blood thing? I haven't heard anything although it would obviously make sense for something to be there.

I was surprised Sully was not picked up, but then again I doubt he was willing to just play anywhere and if a team wants to be building for the future he is not the answer. From all accounts it seemed like he was healthy during preseason.

If the Browns called and asked what we would give for Joe Thomas. What would you give up?