Posted by Jeff Duncan, Times-Picayune staff writer July 26, 2008 12:31PM
Ominous news today: Deuce McAllister didn't practice because of swelling in his knee.
Apparently McAllister's left knee swelled after Friday's afternoon workout and trainers had to drain fluid from the surgically-repaired joint.
McAllister is expected to undergo a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Test today to see if there's anything in the joint causing the inflammation.
Saints Coach Sean Payton said doctors don't know if anything is structurally wrong with the knee but because of last year's surgery they want to be sure
Not sure how to interpret this news. It could be nothing, a routine procedure that will be required at certain intervals during McAllister's road to recovery.
But my instincts say it's not good. I'm not a doctor but it seems early for the knee to swell, after just three workouts, one of which was limited.
We didn't get to talk to McAllister afterward but the normally easy-going McAllister didn't exactly look confident as he rode the exercise bike at practice.
Payton said it's too early to say whether the club will bring in a veteran back as insurance but clearly the brain trust has a plan to do just that in case McAllister's comeback continues to stall.
Defensive tackle Brian Young was the only other notable veteran who didn't work on Saturday. Young's left knee also had fluid and needed to be drained, Payton said.
Safety Josh Bullocks returned to practice for the first time since having his knee scoped in January. He ran with the second team while Kevin Kaesviharn worked with the starters.
Also back was left tackle Jammal Brown, who missed three practices to attend a funeral in Oklahoma.
In other news, the Saints made a couple of minor roster moves. They released wide receiver Carlos Robinson and long snapper Ryan Senser and signed tight end Buck Ortega and wide receiver Curtis Hamilton. Hamilton, a rookie from Western Kentucky, will wear Robinson's old jersey No. 13.
Some other observations from the afternoon session:
-- No surprise here, but the two best players on the field during team drills were quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Marques Coltson. They toyed with the secondary, regardless of who was on the field. Every time I watch Colston it amazes me more and more that someone that talented could last until the seventh round. What was everyone thinking?
-- Jason David stood out during one-on-one cover drills, not so much for his ball skills, which he displayed with a pair of nice break-ups, but more so because of his aggressiveness and take-no-prisoners attitude. We didn't see enough of that last year. His competitiveness is the kind of thing coaches will note in a crowded competition.
-- Biggest cheer of the morning was reserved for - surprise! - tight end Jeremy Shockey. The newest Saints star was greeted by a warm round of cheers and applause as he ran toward the bleachers after making a short catch during team drills.
-- Reggie Bush is the first-team return man on punts and was much more solid today fielding the balls, despite fighting the blinding sun. Lance Moore and Skyler Green worked behind Bush in the rotation.
-- I didn't see it but apparently defensive tackle Hollis Thomas whipped Jonathan Goodwin twice during one-on-one blocking drills. The second one earned a round of "ahs" from the fans at the east end of the field. Thomas and Charles Grant revealed this week that they spent time this offseason at the famed weight-loss clinic at Duke University.
-- Jammal Brown looks excellent. He's noticeably light on his feet. After watching him limp through camp a year ago, it's nice to see him healthy again -- at least for now.
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{o,o}
|)__)
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When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hold on....
Posted by Jeff Duncan, Times-Picayune staff writer July 26, 2008 12:31PM
Ominous news today: Deuce McAllister didn't practice because of swelling in his knee.
Apparently McAllister's left knee swelled after Friday's afternoon workout and trainers had to drain fluid from the surgically-repaired joint.
McAllister is expected to undergo a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Test today to see if there's anything in the joint causing the inflammation.
Saints Coach Sean Payton said doctors don't know if anything is structurally wrong with the knee but because of last year's surgery they want to be sure
Not sure how to interpret this news. It could be nothing, a routine procedure that will be required at certain intervals during McAllister's road to recovery.
But my instincts say it's not good. I'm not a doctor but it seems early for the knee to swell, after just three workouts, one of which was limited.
We didn't get to talk to McAllister afterward but the normally easy-going McAllister didn't exactly look confident as he rode the exercise bike at practice.
Payton said it's too early to say whether the club will bring in a veteran back as insurance but clearly the brain trust has a plan to do just that in case McAllister's comeback continues to stall.
Defensive tackle Brian Young was the only other notable veteran who didn't work on Saturday. Young's left knee also had fluid and needed to be drained, Payton said.
Safety Josh Bullocks returned to practice for the first time since having his knee scoped in January. He ran with the second team while Kevin Kaesviharn worked with the starters.
Also back was left tackle Jammal Brown, who missed three practices to attend a funeral in Oklahoma.
In other news, the Saints made a couple of minor roster moves. They released wide receiver Carlos Robinson and long snapper Ryan Senser and signed tight end Buck Ortega and wide receiver Curtis Hamilton. Hamilton, a rookie from Western Kentucky, will wear Robinson's old jersey No. 13.
Some other observations from the afternoon session:
-- No surprise here, but the two best players on the field during team drills were quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Marques Coltson. They toyed with the secondary, regardless of who was on the field. Every time I watch Colston it amazes me more and more that someone that talented could last until the seventh round. What was everyone thinking?
-- Jason David stood out during one-on-one cover drills, not so much for his ball skills, which he displayed with a pair of nice break-ups, but more so because of his aggressiveness and take-no-prisoners attitude. We didn't see enough of that last year. His competitiveness is the kind of thing coaches will note in a crowded competition.
-- Biggest cheer of the morning was reserved for - surprise! - tight end Jeremy Shockey. The newest Saints star was greeted by a warm round of cheers and applause as he ran toward the bleachers after making a short catch during team drills.
-- Reggie Bush is the first-team return man on punts and was much more solid today fielding the balls, despite fighting the blinding sun. Lance Moore and Skyler Green worked behind Bush in the rotation.
-- I didn't see it but apparently defensive tackle Hollis Thomas whipped Jonathan Goodwin twice during one-on-one blocking drills. The second one earned a round of "ahs" from the fans at the east end of the field. Thomas and Charles Grant revealed this week that they spent time this offseason at the famed weight-loss clinic at Duke University.
-- Jammal Brown looks excellent. He's noticeably light on his feet. After watching him limp through camp a year ago, it's nice to see him healthy again -- at least for now.
I need to check this out,
"I said when he retired that Joe Gibbs was the best coach I'd ever faced." - Bill Parcells
