It doesn't really give a definitive answer, but it sounds like he's going to be out for at least six weeks:
A splenectomy such as the one Chris Simms underwent involves a major incision, and the recovery time is at least six weeks, according to Dr. Michael Kaplan, ESPNEWS medical analyst. Kaplan said an athlete can play without a spleen and that it's not unusual for somebody to rupture the organ in a game or in a car accident and continue his normal activity until the pain is too much to bear. Kaplan said people with ruptured spleens will bleed into their bellies and either feel pain or may pass out as a result of blood loss. Kaplan said under normal circumstances, Simms should be able to resume his football career after he recovers from the surgery. The lack of a spleen puts a person at some higher risk for infection.
Now maybe we'll find out if it's Simms or the Bucs who suck hard. Missing six weeks would have him out for New Orleans twice, the Giants, Philadelphia and Cincinnati. Not an easy lineup. Then, if he were to return after six weeks, he'd be back in time to meet the Panthers again, this time on the road on a Monday Night. Will the Bucs go 0-9? Hey, surely they'll beat Cleveland in week 16, right? RIGHT?
EDIT: Damn, this thread title, doesn't read, properly.
(edited by TheBucsFan on 24.9.06 2319) "I have as much authority as the Pope, I just don't have as many people who believe it."
Originally posted by Nuclear WinterSo, does that mean Bruce Gradkowski, former quarterback at the University of Toledo (where I happen to be attending) gets the start?
Originally posted by StaggerLeeI find it amusing they have on the scroll on ESPN that Gradkowski is starting in week 5, as if they were expecting a one week layoff for Simms.
Well the Bucs are on bye in Week 4.
"I have as much authority as the Pope, I just don't have as many people who believe it."
Originally posted by TheBucsFanNow maybe we'll find out if it's Simms or the Bucs who suck hard. Missing six weeks would have him out for New Orleans twice, the Giants, Philadelphia and Cincinnati. Not an easy lineup. Then, if he were to return after six weeks, he'd be back in time to meet the Panthers again, this time on the road on a Monday Night. Will the Bucs go 0-9? Hey, surely they'll beat Cleveland in week 16, right? RIGHT?
The sad part is I remember Simms back when he played for Texas. More specifically, I remember being entirely unimpressed with him back in Texas, and seeing that the Bucs tabbed him as their QB of the present and future was unsettling, to say the least. I wasn't sold on his leadership - and skill set - in big games. Sure, he'd rack up 6 TDs against teams that don't matter (he'd go 13-3 in the NFC North right now), but he's not the guy I want in a must-win situation.
As for Gradkowski instead? ....meh. He wasn't bad when I saw him in limited action at Toledo, but I'm not sure how he'll do at this point. Honestly, it couldn't be a lot worse than Simms has done this year.
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