NFL odds: Saints' McAllister optimistic about recovery

By Jordan Walters
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer

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The Saints were a huge disappointment in 2007, and a big reason for that was when running back Deuce McAllister went down in Week 3 with a torn ACL. His injury basically meant Reggie Bush had to carry a bigger load, and it’s fairly obvious now that Bush’s body just isn’t made for that, as he too eventually went down with injury.

The Saints only averaged 3.7 yards per carry and 91.6 yards per game last year, and that won’t cut it to be a playoff team in the NFL, even if you have a quarterback as good as Drew Brees. Thus, it’s important that McAllister come back healthy, as he and Bush are best used in tandem, with McAllister handling the every-down duties and Bush running sweeps and focusing more on catching passes and running gimmick plays.

In addition to his left ACL repair, McAllister also underwent microfacture surgery on his right knee to repair cartilage from a previous injury. Yet he said he expects to be on the field for the season opener Sept. 7 against Tampa Bay at the Superdome.

"I'm proud and pleased with (my progress)," said McAllister, who practiced in a limited fashion with his teammates early this month and took part in the individual position drills. "I don't know if there's really a 'next benchmark' to be met on my part. It's pretty much just getting out there and trying to make plays. That's what I'm looking forward to.

"As far as getting out there and doing something I haven't done already up to this point, that would just be playing the game."

 

McAllister was held out of all team period portions during minicamp and most situations where there might be contact. But he was moving well and not favoring either knee.

"It's just continuing to strengthen the knees, working on overall conditioning and trying to get into football shape," McAllister said. "The one thing I can take confidence in is I've done it before. So just knowing what I can't do and what I have to do helps as far as the rehab.

"I'll just try to stay focused and each day get a little stronger and do something different than the day before. I know in the end, it'll work out."

Still, McAllister has played in only 23 of 48 games the past three seasons, and it generally takes NFL running backs 12-18 months to return to form following an ACL tear. With microfracture knee surgery, recovery time can take up to two year, and athletes often don't return to pre-surgery form. Despite these factors, the Saints are optimistic he'll be ready for the start of the 2008 season.

"The key," coach Sean Payton says, "is not pushing it too fast."

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