reflective of the current dynamics is a recipe for disaster. It's possible he isn't the "heart & soul" of the team by the end of this season. It's possible they will have, to a certain extent, moved on from his leadership. Simply because they can't rely on him on the field this season.

I just don't agree that he should be given any assurances of anything other than a chance to compete. And, again if it were me, I would make it known to him that he is not the returning starter. The returning starter next year is Tanner. I would let Taysom know, he would be welcomed back, but he needs to know that he will have to supplant Tanner; he will have to beat him out and by a fairly significant margin. I'm of the opinion that in most cases, tie goes to the younger player.