“You should know,” he said, “there’s talk about bringing on a third-string quarterback.”
I nodded. “It makes sense. Simpson?” I asked.
“Why do you ask?”
“He knows the plays. It makes the most sense. Last I heard he was signed on to New Orleans’s practice squad.”
“How would you feel about being let go and re-signed?”
I shrugged. “It’s part of the business, Coach. We know the routine.”
Coach Garcia nodded. “How are you feeling?”
“Like I told Lacy Reynolds, I apparently blocked out the day after getting run over by multiple trucks, maybe even a few buses.”
Garcia smirked. “You’re good for next Sunday.”
It wasn’t a question, and yet I answered. “Next Sunday isn’t in question. Reynolds wants me to ice and heat my shoulder over the next two days. If I’m still sore on Wednesday, I’m supposed to see her before practice.”
“Keep me updated. We need you ready for Sunday.”
“I will, Coach.”
CHAPTER 22
Vee
Dennison was the topic of Monday morning’s executive meeting. The debate centered on if he would be put on the IR and kept off the field for a four-week minimum. “It’s not only the concussion,” Dad said. “The neck sprain is a concern. He came down hard on his spine. His helmet hit Packard’s first and then the ground.”
“Have we thought any more about calling back Simpson?” I asked.
Uncle Darin lifted his eyes from the papers before him. “It’s on the table, Vee.”
“Are you trying to push Fin out?” Grant asked.
“This isn’t about Graham,” I replied. “It’s about theCoopers having depth on the bench. Heaven forbid Fin meets the same fate as Troy.” Speaking the scenario filled me with dread.
“Vee is right,” Aunt Rachel said. “Darin and I spent hours looking at available quarterbacks. While we could get one or two cheaper, the issue is practice and knowing the plays. Cody Simpson knows our playbook. He’s familiar with our coaches, and they’re familiar with him.”
Uncle Darin exhaled. “His agent knows he has us over a barrel. Simpson isn’t returning for the same salary we had him on before.”
The entire table turned to Dad.
My father laid his hands on the table’s surface and sighed. “Darin, talk to Cody’s agent. Get a price and a timeline. Bring it to me. We need a backup by next Sunday.” He moved his green gaze around to each member of the committee. “We have five more games before our bye. If it will make Dennison healthier for playoffs, I think he should be on the IR.”
“No,” Grant replied. “You want to put the first half of the season in an old man’s hands.”
I spun my face toward my cousin. “Excuse me. Weren’t you the one who advocated for Griffin Graham?”
“As backup. As a mentor. In their short time together, the plan worked.” He lifted his eyebrows. “I’m sure you saw that during your observation.”
“Vee?” Dad asked.
“Troy and Fin worked out after each practice. Drew said the two would even work out on Tuesdays. I know Fin was concerned about Troy and spoke to him after the news conferences yesterday.”
“How do you know that?” Grant asked.
I straightened my shoulders and used my most even tone. “He told me.”
