TallySaint

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June 2, 2006


Deuce back on field; 'It was good to go out there'

By Michael Wallace
mwallace@clarionledger.com


METAIRIE — New Orleans Saints running back Deuce McAllister took his first public steps today toward returning from a major knee injury that wiped away most of his 2005 season.

McAllister took a few hand-offs, did some minor cutting and plenty of jogging during the Saints' two-hour morning workout at the team's training facility. It was the first workout of the Saints' three-day mini-camp, where the team will practice in shorts twice today, twice Saturday and once Sunday.

It was the first team-wide workout McAllister has participated in since he missed the final 11 games of last season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. McAllister, who tested the surgically repaired knee last week during some private workouts, said he was happy with the way his legs responded today.

"I was just happy to finally be out there, around the team," McAllister said. "I know I'm not 100 percent, but it was good to go out there and get some work done."

McAllister, a former Ole Miss star and the Saints all-time leading rusher with 4,529 yards, will not practice with the team this afternoon but expects to work out again Saturday morning during team drills.


8)

My Guardian Angel wears a hard hat.

JimBone

Its also good to hear Payton say that his weight is coming down. Payton seemed encouraged by Deuce so that is good news.

TallySaint

Updated: June 2, 2006, 8:23 PM ET



Bush has first full practice with Saints, wears No. 25
Associated Press


NEW ORLEANS -- Reggie Bush wore No. 25 instead of his familiar No. 5 and went through his first complete practice as an NFL player when the New Orleans Saints began a three-day mini-camp Friday.

Bush's petition to wear No. 5, even though it's not among the numbers designated for running backs, was denied by the NFL last month, shortly after he hobbled through a rookie mini-camp because of a strained right hamstring.

The Heisman Trophy winner, who was selected by New Orleans with the second pick in the April draft, split time with former Pro Bowl running back Deuce McAllister, who's coming off knee surgery last season.

Bush looked fluid and comfortable.

"This was a chance to work with the veterans who are going to be our teammates so that was good for the rookies," he said. "The leg feels good and I was able to run around and do the things I couldn't do in the rookie mini-camp.

"I'm coming from USC where we ran a pro-style offense and the coaches really prepared us for the NFL. So everything is kind of coming naturally for me."




McAllister tested his knee on the field for the first time last week during four days of Organized Team Activities.

"That was a bridge that I crossed," McAllister said Friday. "I know I'm not 100 percent, but I have to go out there and work and get some work done on it. I'm going to continue to build it up for training camp. I want to be 100 percent for the start of the season. The big mental thing that you face is can I be successful, can I be the same back I was before."




Quarterback Drew Brees, who has been limited because of surgery on his right (throwing) shoulder in January, threw passes in a Saints practice for the first time since leaving San Diego via free agency in March.

Brees was limited to throws of 15 yards and shorter in the morning practice and didn't throw any in the afternoon practice. He'll follow a similar routine the rest of the weekend.

"Not a bad one-two punch, huh?" Brees said of McAllister and Bush. "Getting the chance to watch those two guys and see how it's all going to come together right now is pretty exciting."




Fred McAfee, a 15-year veteran running back and special teamer, had worn No. 25 almost exclusively since high school but is now wearing 32 after relinquishing 25 to Bush.

"Since high school that number has always found its way back to me," McAfee said. "I wore it in the Super Bowl and I wore it in the Pro Bowl. It's been great to me."

Bush is donating 25 percent of his royalties from jersey sales to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, and half of those funds will be distributed by McAfee, who said he'll help Katrina victims in his native Mississippi.




The Saints on Friday signed two linebackers _ former Baltimore Ravens player Tommy Polley and Jay Foreman, formerly of the Texans. To make room for them, the team released linebacker Chris Moore and quarterback Joel Klatt.

"We feel that one area of concern is linebacker," coach Sean Payton said. "We need to make sure that we have enough guys in here to have enough depth. We're going to keep looking at guys. It wasn't a good group a year ago and we're hoping it's better than what we saw on film from last year."




The Saints also signed former Cleveland Browns tight end Billy Miller, who's entering his seventh season, and released Troy Bienemann to make space on the roster.




http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2468489


8)

My Guardian Angel wears a hard hat.

maximkat

I'm glad to hear Fincher is starting at MLB currently, I know a few others are a bit excited to see what he can do as well.

Saintsfan66

I read some reports at www.NewOrleansSaints.com that said Smith was suffering from a minor injury and would be practicing by the end of the week, so I dont know if he is still the starter or if Bullocks actualy got it from him. It's 6:40am and I am heading out to watch them for myself today, got a couple friends riding along. Should be fun.

papz

Well there's two starting spots... I'm pretty sure when he comes back, he'll be starting in the other spot. I really couldn't see us starting Harper this year.

hagan714

They are still shuffling the deck. I like the fact everyone is getting a shot. A fair chance is a fair chance. can not ask for more

gandhi1007

Attitude or not (Smith).....& as much as I like Bulocks, he is not going to take Dwight Smith's job. Unless Smith & Payton or stil having their "issues", Smith has the job because he is hands down the better safety.

Saintsfan66

Just got back from the camp. It was great. Had a great time with a bunch of fans, more then I have ever seen at camp before, and got Bush, Horn, and Brees to sign my Brees jersey. Also got Jay Bellamy's autograph on a piece of paper. Brees looks good, McPhearson looked great. Martin decent, Todd same old. Bush looked great, Bennet and duece did as well.. Got Bennet's autograph as well. Good day, got drunk, and had fun.

LongTimeFan

Martin will be the # 2 QB unless he breaks a leg or two, I just can't see him losing that spot..