Martin arrived at the treatment room only to receive the news from Gus that he wasn't on the active list for the third preseason game in a few days. This meant even if his ankle improved he still wouldn't be able to play. "Look at the bright side," Gus said, "at least now you have a few more good days to rest and heal your ankle."

"Bright side, what bright side?" Martin thought as he considered the strong possibility that there might not be a next week for him. Unfortunately, Martin wasn't staying positive.

The news got worse when Martin went to see Coach Ken and he confirmed that he was indeed on the inactive list. When Martin asked Coach if this meant he would be cut next week, Coach Ken said he honestly couldn't say one way or another. It wasn't up to him. It was up to the big man (the head coach). To make matters even worse, Coach Ken told Martin he didn't have time to meet over the next few days because he would have to focus and prepare for the game.

"But don't worry," he said. "Everything will work out the way it's supposed to. Just focus on those twenty tips to get mentally tough over the next few days and we'll meet again the day after the game. The best has yet to come, and I'm planning for you to still be here next week. You have to stay positive. Just like we talked about, Martin, mental toughness is key."

Unfortunately Martin didn't share his optimism—and he had good reason. One of the other rookies vying for a spot on the team was doing amazing things in practice and at this moment he was higher on the depth chart than Martin. If someone was going to get cut it would be Martin.

Martin went back into the treatment room after everyone headed onto the field for practice and found Gus, who was still in his office finishing paperwork.

"Gus, is there anything, I mean anything, we can do to get my ankle healed more quickly?"

"There's no rush," Gus said. "You're inactive for the game regardless."

"I know," Martin said, "but if by chance I don't get cut, I've got to be ready to go first thing next week. Is there anything else we can do to speed the healing up? Hyperbaric chamber? Sound waves? Rain dance? Anything?"

"Well, there is one thing. It's this guy I know. Strange but gifted. He's got a gift. Works on all sorts of famous musicians, celebrities, and a few open-minded athletes."

"Sounds like my guy," Martin said. "If there's one thing I am that's open minded about getting healthy."

"Okay, I'll make sure he's here for treatment tomorrow morning and we'll see what we can do," Gus said.

"Thanks, Gus," Martin said. "Finally, some type of good news," he thought. For a moment he felt hopeful. But why, he had no idea.