Well, I don't think you apply until the season is over. There is certain criteria that needs to be met to get it. I forgot what they are exactly and don't feel like looking them up, but you can't play more than a certain percentage of games and whatnot, but will be available if needed until the season is over. It's just that if we do play him, he may be at a point where he'd lose his possible redshirt and then lose a year of eligibility. I think his shoulder is ok now for the most part, but why use up a whole year of eligiblity just for a few games...it's not like he'd be in game shape this time of year anyways, so why take the chance.
He did look good against UNH and created some great oppurtunities on offense, but his defense is probably a liability and his stamina most likely is not there either. I think that he will be a stud come next year as long as he doesn't get hurt again.