Unfortunately I just don’t think he’s gotten his explosion back and I think that’s why they backed off on playing him so much. The separated shoulder probably didn’t help either.
There were definitely some standout moments for Easley, but anytime you draft a guy coming off a major injury there’s some element of risk. Everyone who tears an ACL says you’re not back to yourself until you’re have a full season under your belt.
I still love Easley and think there’s a role for him to play going forward. If we have to wait until next year so be it. But the solid play of Chris Jones/Siliga and Branch to some extent has lessened how much the Pats need Easley this year.
I wouldn’t IR him, just give him a couple weeks off and see where we’re at. You never know if you might need a pass rush or when he might suddenly start feeling a lot better.
