Didn't he play as an 8 against Rotherham where he got resoundingly physically annihilated?
I think he could come good given more time. My only concern is it's a bit too soon for him personally given his age etc.
As much as you disagreed with the notion that his minutes being managed rather than him being dropped (which is fine, you're allowed to be wrong 😉), I agree with your point he should be recovering in that time period and able to start.