I think the 3 game IR is a better solution, I too have thought that VJ may be unavailable at the onset of the season
If I am to understand pup vs IR at this point of the season, I may possibly have it twisted

. If you are placed on the pup to start the season you must sit out 6 weeks but if you are put on short-term IR you can be out only 3 weeks. If this is right then IR is a better solution. This is based on the 2021 post-covid IR rule change that did away with the limited number of IR tags and converted this designation to be unlimited. Also, A player no longer needs to be out 8 weeks and can instead return after 3 weeks which is better than the 6 for the PUP designation when placed on PUP to start a season. I hope I have this right