Former Washington Huskies cornerback Sidney Jones suffered a torn Achilles during his pro day. Previously projected to be taken near the end of the first round, Jones’ outlook took a hit following the injury.
However, after surgery today, Jones is optimistic, tweeting “The doctor said that I will for sure be playing this upcoming season.”
Surgery was great ✊🏾
The doctor said that I will for sure be playing this upcoming season 😎 #DontCountMeOut 💯— Sidney Jones IV (@SidneyJonesIV) March 21, 2017
Let’s be clear: that’s extremely optimistic. An Achilles tear is normally a season-ender, even if it happens as early as March. Playing at all in 2017 would be a massive success for Jones and the team that drafts him.
However, doctors are better at medicine than this scribe (with perhaps the noted exception of Ray Ramirez). If a doctor told Jones he’ll play next season, then — assuming Jones’ rehab goes well — then we should believe it. The question, of course, is whether NFL teams do as well.