By Jordan Long
On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the New England Patriots 36-17 in the AFC Championship Game. Steelers’ tight end Ladarius Green missed the game because he was in the concussion protocol. He has been in the protocol since week 15. Green wants to return in 2017. Should Green really play next season?
Green finished up his 5th season in the NFL and his first with the Steelers. This season Green played in 6 games, recording 18 catches for 304 yards and one touchdown. When Green was healthy, he was making plays for the Steelers and helping them win games. His average yards per catch was an impressive 16.9 yards. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw the ball to Green because he rarely dropped it and could gain yards for first downs to keep drives alive.
The biggest problem with Green was his injuries. He missed ten games because of an ankle injury and concussions. Green’s latest concussion occurred in week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals, forcing him to sit out the last two games of the regular season plus Pittsburgh’s three playoff games.
According to ESPN, after Sunday’s loss against the Patriots Green said, “Frustrating season, but everybody has one. I hope it’s the only one I have. I’m going to go train as soon as I get home, and hopefully next season works out a lot better.”
Green is a decent tight end but his health should be his number one concern. He still has the fire to play but the problem is his concussion history. Another hit in the head and it could be a while before he gets back in the lineup or the end of his career.
Green should take the offseason to decide what is best for him. He still has the desire to play football. Green can be one of the top tight ends in the game but has to stay in the lineup. Another concussion and he might want to think about hanging up his cleats for good.
What do you think about Ladarius Green suiting up next season?
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