What's up with Zac?

[Scrambledog 0]

The coaches are not playing him at all where there is any contact. I thought he was cleared for contact. The answers the coaches give are vague, such as, "We are just following instructions".  Whose instructions? 

It seems counter productive to hold Zac out. The hitting just gets harder and harder. When he does get in, he could get creamed by guys who are up to full speed while he is still adjusting.  Is there some kind of medical problem that has not been disclosed? 

I'm just worried about Zac. This does not seem like a good strategy as far as recovery. If he is not going to play this year, then that is fine. But, if they are going to hold him out for a time, then put him in there and expect him to go full speed, that just makes no sense.

Please, no pat answers such as. "Just trust the coaches" and "They know what they are doing" 

Just what ARE they doing?  Is there a real plan?  How is holding him out now a workable strategy?

[AUFan1 0]

I believe they said they are slowly easing him back into contact. He may be fully healed, but you don't just throw some one back into the fire after a neck injury like that. You ease them back in, because you want them to polish up on basic skills and knock the rust off. Most severe injuries have some sort of physiological effect, where players might be hesitant at first to trust their skills and their bodies. Being hesitant with a knee injury is one thing, but a neck injury is another. It's a safety issue at this point.

[AUrite 0]

The coaches are not playing him at all where there is any contact. I thought he was cleared for contact. The answers the coaches give are vague, such as, "We are just following instructions".  Whose instructions? 

It seems counter productive to hold Zac out. The hitting just gets harder and harder. When he does get in, he could get creamed by guys who are up to full speed while he is still adjusting.  Is there some kind of medical problem that has not been disclosed? 

I'm just worried about Zac. This does not seem like a good strategy as far as recovery. If he is not going to play this year, then that is fine. But, if they are going to hold him out for a time, then put him in there and expect him to go full speed, that just makes no sense.

Please, no pat answers such as. "Just trust the coaches" and "They know what they are doing" 

Just what ARE they doing?  Is there a real plan?  How is holding him out now a workable strategy?

From what I've seen, Zac's doc has cleared him.  I've yet to read that the team doctor's have cleared him.  Maybe someone can clarify.

[The SandMntTiger 9]

The coaches are not playing him at all where there is any contact. I thought he was cleared for contact. The answers the coaches give are vague, such as, "We are just following instructions".  Whose instructions? 

It seems counter productive to hold Zac out. The hitting just gets harder and harder. When he does get in, he could get creamed by guys who are up to full speed while he is still adjusting.  Is there some kind of medical problem that has not been disclosed? 

I'm just worried about Zac. This does not seem like a good strategy as far as recovery. If he is not going to play this year, then that is fine. But, if they are going to hold him out for a time, then put him in there and expect him to go full speed, that just makes no sense.

Please, no pat answers such as. "Just trust the coaches" and "They know what they are doing" 

Just what ARE they doing?  Is there a real plan?  How is holding him out now a workable strategy?

From what I've seen, Zac's doc has cleared him.  I've yet to read that the team doctor's have cleared him.  Maybe someone can clarify.

According to Andrew Gribble, this is what Coach had to say about it...

"I just simply follow medically whatever the situation is right now," Chizik said. "And when we get to that point, we'll cross that bridge when we get there. But right now medically we're following the instructions of our staff. They're on top of it."

[TheWarTiger 0]

I played college football so... if Zac can hit and drive a sled without trouble any trouble with his neck,-- then he can play. So has anyone seem him do this yet? Just my thoughts.

So lets hire it MODS.

[IManAUBURNlifer 0]

I, for one, know I won't be able to help but cringe everytime I see him stick his head into the opposing players chest, or when he dives in a pile ill be trying to find him immediately to make sure he got up. Seeing that play over and over again that day on the tv really made me sick to my stomach. Zac, take all the time u need to get fully healthy, then we will sit back and watch u bust some heads.

[Tigerbelle 5,299]

I believe they said they are slowly easing him back into contact. He may be fully healed, but you don't just throw some one back into the fire after a neck injury like that. You ease them back in, because you want them to polish up on basic skills and knock the rust off. Most severe injuries have some sort of physiological effect, where players might be hesitant at first to trust their skills and their bodies. Being hesitant with a knee injury is one thing, but a neck injury is another. It's a safety issue at this point.

That makes sense. I was wondering why he was being held on a short leash.

I think the whole stadium will be holding it's collective breath when Zac hits somebody. I can't imagine how his family will feel. If I was his mother...I couldn't watch.

[TheMayorOfChillville 31]

I believe they said they are slowly easing him back into contact. He may be fully healed, but you don't just throw some one back into the fire after a neck injury like that. You ease them back in, because you want them to polish up on basic skills and knock the rust off. Most severe injuries have some sort of physiological effect, where players might be hesitant at first to trust their skills and their bodies. Being hesitant with a knee injury is one thing, but a neck injury is another. It's a safety issue at this point.

^^^THIS^^^ As I understand it, he's being eased back in. He's expected to play, but he may or may not be ready for the first game. I'm thinking he will.  Those looking for the exact scoop are probably going to be disappointed. They keep a tight lid on injury stuff...as well they should.

[norcuron 35]

Dr. Swade has cleared him from a neuro standpoint. So its not a medical issue.

Im sure he will be just fine once he eases back in.

[baccusm 12]

Does anyone have a link to the video where he got hurt?  My wife and I were talking about it yesterday, and I cannot remember who we were playing or the guy Zac hit when he got hurt.

[gillije 0]

Ole Miss and it was a hit on the RB, can't remember the RB's name thou.

[guerra aguila 0]

I think the RB name was Rodney Scott.

Anyway, the coaches and doctors know what they are doing... if they are keeping him safe, there is a reason for it. He has 19 days to get back at it, and we certainly dont need him for the first game.

Would not be surprised if he played much at all. We will need him against State and Clemson.

[Les81 0]

I do not believe he has been fully cleared by his doctor.. regardless of what any article says.

[walker77 0]

Could be that they are giving him as much time to totally heal as they possibly can...

It is not like they need him to practice full speed to see how good he is...

Prediction: Look for some contact the closer we get to game 1...just my opinion..

[Guest shirley4au9]

I believe they said they are slowly easing him back into contact. He may be fully healed, but you don't just throw some one back into the fire after a neck injury like that. You ease them back in, because you want them to polish up on basic skills and knock the rust off. Most severe injuries have some sort of physiological effect, where players might be hesitant at first to trust their skills and their bodies. Being hesitant with a knee injury is one thing, but a neck injury is another. It's a safety issue at this point.

That makes sense. I was wondering why he was being held on a short leash.

I think the whole stadium will be holding it's collective breath when Zac hits somebody. I can't imagine how his family will feel. If I was his mother...I couldn't watch.

Neither could I. I will be holding my breath. God bless you Zac.

[aupops2 9]

I believe they said they are slowly easing him back into contact. He may be fully healed, but you don't just throw some one back into the fire after a neck injury like that. You ease them back in, because you want them to polish up on basic skills and knock the rust off. Most severe injuries have some sort of physiological effect, where players might be hesitant at first to trust their skills and their bodies. Being hesitant with a knee injury is one thing, but a neck injury is another. It's a safety issue at this point.

That makes sense. I was wondering why he was being held on a short leash.

I think the whole stadium will be holding it's collective breath when Zac hits somebody. I can't imagine how his family will feel. If I was his mother...I couldn't watch.

Neither could I. I will be holding my breath. God bless you Zac.

My guess is that the decision is being left up to Zac himself, with guidance from the coaches.  The doctors have cleared him, so the medical issue is moot.  But if you have ever played football, you know it's not a tentative sport; play tentative and you will get hurt.  If you think we all will cringe at that first "super-hit", imagine what will be going thru Zac's mind!!

[Weegle777 78]

I agree Pops, I think the coaches are letting him set his own pace. Our coaches understand that the guy had a cage on his head for awhile and they are letting him get comfortable again. Our coaches genuinely care about our players, unlike a west Vance coach who would probably have cut Zac to get at his scholarship. WDE Zac!!!!!!!

[Orange and Blue 17211345162833 0]

If i was Zac, i'd pray about it. There is no better doctor than God to come to for guidance in erasing any doubts that he may have.

God bless you Zac and the health of the entire team.

[Weegle777 78]

If i was Zac, i'd pray about it. There is no better doctor than God to come to for guidance in erasing any doubts that he may have.

God bless you Zac and the health of the entire team.

^^^^^^^TRUTH^^^^^^^

[Auburngirl1345162858 0]

I heard on the news yesterday that he has been cleared by HIS doctor, but not by the staff doctor(s) for full contact.  He'll show them he's ready!

War Eagle #4!!

[Guest gkc81]

He was not cleared until July; not sure if he had been able to work out, or how much, before that.  Could be he needs to build his neck and upper body muscles back up before full contact.  Given the injury, I'd rather them be cautious in bringing him back in.  Since no one on here know's more about it than Zach and the coaches, I'll defer to them on it.

[wellsheit 0]

I don't know who has or hasn't cleared him or why.  All I know is I'm pulling for Zac harder than anyone out there this year.  If he never takes another snap at Auburn, he'll still be my favorite player on the team.  There are some things that make a football player special beyond football.  This kid has it.  War Eagle, Zac.

PS.  With that being said, I HOPE I get to see him lay wood in the first game.  I'll watch attentively, but I know if he's in there its because he's ready and tested again.

[Guest WarTiger]

If i was Zac, i'd pray about it. There is no better doctor than God to come to for guidance in erasing any doubts that he may have.

God bless you Zac and the health of the entire team.

lol. Sure. Then why did he even bother going to the hopsital in the 1st place?

[telling tiger 156]

Back to Zac and away from :-\. He'll come along at his own rate. I hope we get to see this man take the field for a game this year. He'll be an excellent mentor for the young guys.

[Lint 0]

War-

A deep faith in God doesn't mean you don't ever take the advisement of "experts" into consideration.  Ultimately though, it is through God that all is possible..