The BBC reports that "Draper will not qualify for a protected ranking if he does return in January" ( last competed in Cincinnati in August ), and then later that if he returns in January his schedule will need managing partly because "...the bone bruising is unlikely to have healed entirely by January"
So, if indeed it hasn't healed entirely, is it rocket science to suggest better leaving a return until February at the earliest?
Jack is actually quoted as saying "I am taking this time to reset and heal, so that when I return I am 100% ready to go." But he has said rather a few things about being ready over the months and I am not sure if his 100% will be others' 100%.
Sorry if I sound like I am having a go at Jack. I guess I am a bit, but I really want to see him giving himself the best chance of getting back truly competing near the top of the game in future years.
-- Edited by indiana on Tuesday 15th of September 2026 03:10:06 PM
Agreed with comments above, very glad Jack is going to take longer out to allow the injury to heal properly. Such a shame he tried to come back for the USO when his body obviously wasn't ready