(07-29-2023, 06:24 AM)Eric1 Wrote:

(07-29-2023, 05:59 AM)The Real Marty Wrote: 17 games is a long season.  If you put a guy in a preseason game for a few series, what is that worth, compared to getting the reps in training camp?  

I wouldn't play the starters in preseason at all.  Not even the new guys.

You can't practice real game speed though. I agree with not playing our main guys for too long, but they have to get some live game speed play in during the preseason to get ready for the real thing.

I agree.  I would play the starters for a couple of series in game 2.  The risk is low.  If it's minor bumps and bruises, you have 3 weeks to get healthy before Week 1.  Practice isn't the same thing as a preseason game.  I think it is beneficial to get a taste of live action before the regular season.  I don't like the idea of the entire starting lineup walking onto the field on September 10th for a regular season game and feeling like "We haven't done this since January."

I can only think of two starters who I might play more.  One is Anton Harrison.  Being a rookie, additional practice time against an NFL defense other than the Jaguars may be beneficial to his transition.  The other possibility would be Calvin Ridley due to the long time since his last game.  For the most part, starters should sit out the preseason.

---