Pains me to say this, but you are 100% correct. The two team physicians/surgeons have THE final say on any player's overall health and worth to a team. This process starts at the combines. All of the "fresh meat" is looked over by every team doctor and they all share the same information. The teams rely heavily on what the doctors say is good/bad...and this goes on as the season starts and injuries occur. Granted, once a player signs with a team, that medical info becomes property of the team and not released out to anyone.

If the Doc tells the front office that a player is damaged goods, he's done for.

I'd be surprised if ET wasn't labeled as "damanged goods" by the Docs for not having surgery to repair his intial break....'cuz a few titanium rods and screws are always going to be much stronger than a natural heal. Might not be better for you...but it will be stronger.