I dealt with a similar "character" on Facebook. I don't believe it. If Nichols was out for the year I think they'd be more open to Darian Durant or trading for a vet. Secondly, if he was out for the year and had surgery I think it would get leaked out pretty quickly. I just don't believe O'Shea would be involved in a lie like this. If they were going to lie about the degree of his injury I think that they would do it to take pressure off their young quarterbacks and to not look as desperate in trade negotiations. I just don't see how it would affect ticket sales. If the team is really struggling without Nichols eventually ticket sales will dwindle until he actually steps onto the practice field and is named the starter that week.