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The Atlanta Falcons defense is still a work in progress. We've seen some positives but there's still plenty of room for improvement. Getting pass rusher extraordinaire back from injury will certainly help. If you recall, Beasley has been out nursing a shoulder (AC joint) injury. Now it appears the coaching staff is comfortable with him returning in the Falcons' third preseason game against the Miami Dolphins this week.
Dan Quinn said he anticipates OLB Vic Beasley Jr. (shoulder) being full go vs. Miami in Orlando Thursday night.... https://t.co/X63KV2DjAH
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) August 22, 2016
As Dave discussed yesterday, this is a bit of a balancing act. You want to get Vic the snaps he needs to get ready for the season. He's obviously been a part of training camp, and I'm sure that's sufficiently prepared him, but there's no substitute for live, full-speed action against someone who isn't your teammate. That said, you want Vic to get healthy, and then you want him to stay healthy.
What's the opportunity cost if they rush him back too quickly? What's the opportunity cost if they don't? This is ultimately why Dan Quinn makes the big bucks. He (along with the training staff) gets to make these decisions. If you ask me, they should probably take a more cautious approach. We've seen Vic's willingness to play through injury. (He played his entire rookie campaign with a torn rotator cuff.) It's commendable but it isn't ideal.
Your thoughts? Should Vic play this week?