In and of themselves, the numbers Brandon Weeden tossed up are impressive: 4,277 yards, 34 touchdowns and completing 67 percent of his passes in his first year as a starter.
Factor in the injury Weeden was dealing with however, and those statistics get cast in a different -- and far more impressive -- light.
The quarterback, who officially announced last week that he’s returning to Stillwater for another season, suffered what was described by the school as a sprained right (throwing) thumb in Oklahoma State’s season-opening win over Washington State. In reality, Tulsa World reports, the injury was a rupture of an extensor tendon in Weeden’s thumb.
According to the paper, Weeden was given two choices after suffering the injury -- either undergoing surgery or playing through the pain. Obviously, Weeden chose the latter -- despite the coaching staff suggesting the former option -- as he went on to a record-setting season as the Cowboys’ starter.
“He exceeded expectations, certainly,” head trainer Rob Hunt told the paper. ""It worked out really to be the best-case scenario. It doesn’t always happen that way. I’m sure he was relieved and pleased with it.”
Apparently the decision to forego any type of in-season medical procedure won’t have any lasting impact on the QB; not only will Weeden not be forced to undergo offseason surgery, but he plans to be a walk-on on the OSU golf team.