Since suffering a season-ending knee injury in Oregon State’s upset over Arizona Saturday, it’s been assumed James Rodgers would seek a medical hardship waiver and return to the Beavers for another season next year.
What is it they say about the word “assume”, though?
Rodgers made an appearance at OSU’s practice yesterday, and spoke to the media regarding his future. In not so many words, the wide receiver/return specialist says he’s not made a decision as to whether he will return for another season of college ball -- a waiver would seem to be a slam dunk -- or make himself available for next April’s NFL draft.
“I have a lot of time to think about that,” Rodgers said. “I’ll talk to coach (Mike) Riley and get his input on everything. And make my decision when the time comes.”
Rodgers will undergo surgery at some point in the near future to repair the damaged ligaments/tendons in the knee, at which point a clearer timeline on his full return to health following rehab will be known.
The school will submit the necessary hardship waiver paperwork to the Pac-10 on Rodgers’ behalf at the end of the regular season according to reports. The deadline for eligible players to submit paperwork for entry into the NFL draft is mid-January.
The combination of how his knee responds to the rehab plus the timeliness of a decision on the waiver and the draft deadline will likely play a big role in Rodgers’ ultimate decision.
Of course, as far as his brother is concerned, the decision’s already been made; OSU running back Jacquizz Rodgers said on a radio show earlier in the week that his sibling will be returning for another season.