Chase Lyman is hoping to reverse his star-crossed career with the New Orleans Saints.

The former Cal and St. Francis High standout -- who has undergone seven operations since 2000, including two reconstructive knee operations -- is participating in his first NFL training camp. To make the team, Lyman must stay healthy and find the form that briefly made him one of the nation's top college receivers.

``The first day was a little weird, putting on shoulder pads for the first time in two years,'' said Lyman, a fourth-round pick in the 2005 draft. ``I'm still adjusting, finding that feeling of comfort again. It's good to be here and have an opportunity. Now I have to stay healthy and keep working hard.''

Getting back on the field has been an arduous journey for Lyman, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound receiver. In October 2004, he was enjoying a breakout senior season at Cal when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, requiring surgery. Before the injury, Lyman made 14 catches for 414 yards and five touchdowns and was leading the nation in yards per catch (29.6).

Denied an appeal by the NCAA for a sixth season, Lyman finished his rehab in time for the NFL combine the following February. Despite his medical history -- Lyman hasn't played an entire season since 2001 -- the Saints took him with the 118th pick.

``We don't have a receiver who is 6-3,'' Saints director of player personnel Randy Mueller told the Times-Picayune after the draft. ``So if he brings something that we don't have, I think the talent level makes it worth it.''

In May, during his first workout as an NFL player, Lyman again tore the ACL in his left knee, requiring another operation. The former three-sport standout at St. Francis blames himself for that injury, saying he rushed back too quickly.

This time, Lyman was in no such hurry. He did his rehab in California and checked in with the Saints weekly. He rejoined the team in March for its off-season program.

``The second rehab was a little different because I had time,'' Lyman said. ``I had to be patient. A lot of times I couldn't push through pain and had to listen'' to his body.

``The knee is fine. The whole thing is trying to get back to where I was,'' Lyman said.

With good speed -- he ran a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash at the combine -- and a 6-4 frame, Lyman can stretch the field while providing a big target, an element the Saints have lacked in recent years.

Yet with 10 receivers on the Saints' training-camp roster, including veterans such as Joe Horn, Donte' Stallworth, Michael Lewis and Bethel Johnson, Lyman must stand out on special teams to make the cut.

``That's kind of what all the young guys have to do to make their money and earn a living,'' Lyman said. ``I'm definitely trying to make an impact on special teams. As far as receiver, knowing all the positions, knowing where to line up and catch the ball. Just be consistent.''

Lyman realizes his medical history could be a concern. When asked about the possibility of spending a season on the Saints' practice squad, Lyman said: ``It might be something I even need because I haven't played for a couple of years. Hopefully it does not come to that, but I think it would benefit me. Obviously no one wants to be in that position, but if that's what it took, I'd do it.''

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