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Former Bills running back's first carry greeted with hard hit, fumble
Published on Wednesday, Aug 01, 2007
Associated Press
Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee had barely gotten used to his new shoulder pads when it came time for him to start carrying the football.
Eager to impress his new team, McGahee took off around left end. He was met by sixth-round draft pick Prescott Burgess, who showed a bit too much enthusiasm in the no-contact drill by steamrolling the running back and separating him from the ball.
The hit confirmed what McGahee suspected: The Baltimore Ravens never let up, even on the first day of training camp practice, which was Monday.
''These guys know how to win. I found that out the first day I ran the ball; my first carry was a fumble,'' McGahee said. ''It doesn't get any better than that. I'm going to have to get my hardhat on and get ready to play.''
The Ravens obtained McGahee in March after Jamal Lewis, a starter since 2000, signed as a free agent with the Browns. McGahee is clearly more nimble and versatile than the lumbering Lewis, but at this point in camp he feels the pressure to fulfill expectations.
''They know what I can do,'' McGahee said, ''but they want to see if I can do it again. You always have to prove yourself when you're out here.''
McGahee had much to prove in Buffalo. The Bills selected him in the first round of the 2003 draft, even though he was coming off a devastating knee injury suffered while playing for the University of Miami in the 2003 national-championship game against Ohio State.
He did not get a carry in his first NFL season, then topped 1,000 yards rushing in each of the next two years before finishing with 990 yards in 2006 despite missing two games with a rib injury.
But McGahee couldn't win with the Bills.
With the Ravens, if all goes as planned, McGahee will be a breakaway threat on first down and provide quarterback Steve McNair another option when the situation calls for a pass.
''I think it's a lot different. With Jamal in there it was more of a power offense, but right now we can do a lot of things with McGahee,'' McNair said. ''He can run, and we can put him in the passing game. When you can get the ball to McGahee, he's going to do something special.''
Rawlings dumps Vick
Michael Vick lost another sponsor Rawlings.
The sports goods company said it was ending its relationship with the Atlanta Falcons quarterback because of dogfighting conspiracy charges.
Rawlings used Vick's image in promotional displays in stores.
Raiders sign Culpepper
Free agent quarterback Daunte Culpepper signed a one-year contract with the Oakland Raiders, giving them a backup plan as top draft pick JaMarcus Russell remains unsigned.
Culpepper, 30, began 2006 as Miami's starter and was sacked 21 times in the first four games. The Dolphins shut him down so he could continue rehabbing and eventually placed him on injured reserve. The former Pro Bowl quarterback was released July 17.
Glenn has surgery
Dallas Cowboys receiver Terry Glenn had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, and Terrell Owens rested his sore hamstring.
Although an MRI showed no serious damage after Glenn hurt his knee in practice Sunday, the decision was made to have the procedure after pain persisted. He is expected to be out about two weeks.
Owens was at practice but was on the field without shoulder pads or a helmet after being told by coach Wade Phillips to take it easy.
Jags center injured
Jacksonville center Brad Meester broke his right ankle and will be sidelined at least eight weeks, the Jaguars' first significant injury this season. Meester was scheduled to have surgery today.
Meester, who has started 108 games for Jacksonville in seven years, injured his ankle in the team's first full-pads practice Monday night.
Dennis Norman, a versatile backup who started six games the last two years, will move into Meester's starting spot.
Redskins lineman out
Washington Redskins left tackle Chris Samuels sprained a knee ligament at practice Monday and is expected to be out as long as four weeks but is expected to return in time for the opener Sept. 9.
Tony Fisher released
Veteran running back Tony Fisher was released by the New York Jets. Fisher, who spent last season with the St. Louis Rams after four years with the Green Bay Packers, had been signed Friday to add depth to the Jets' running back corps after Cedric Houston abruptly left.
Cardinals' Schable hurt
Arizona Cardinals fullback A.J. Schable has a broken right foot and will be sidelined for about eight weeks.
Coach Ken Whisenhunt said the second-year pro was injured in a practice drill Monday.
Packers' Driver on field
Green Bay Packers receiver Donald Driver practiced for the first time. He had been unable to pass his physical, but coach Mike McCarthy said Driver wasn't likely to be limited at all during workouts.
Associated Press
Get the full article here.
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