 Wysłany: Pią 15:13, 17 Wrz 2010 Temat postu: Head coach |
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| Darren Sharper still hopeful of playing in opener
METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Darren Sharper Jersey (FSY) is holding out hope he'll be ready to play against the Minnesota Vikings in the Sept. 9 regular season opener, even though he hasn't practiced yet this preseason. "That's my goal," Sharper Jersey said Tuesday. "I think I will be ready." Head coach Sean Payton said he's not sure when Sharper Jersey will return to practice, but noted that Sharper Jersey would be among several players who won't travel to Tennessee for Thursday's preseason finale. Also staying behind are cornerback Tracy Porter (FSY); linebackers Jonathan Vilma (FSY) and Clint Ingram (FSY); safety Pierson Prioleau (FSY); and offensive tackle Zach Strief (FSY). Porter, Strief and Prioleau all have knee soreness, and Payton has said their injuries are not serious. Vilma pulled his right groin in last Friday's preseason game against San Diego, but does not need surgery and is expected back for the season opener. Sharper Jersey and Ingram have been on the physically-unable-to-perform, or PUP, list throughout preseason because of offseason microfracture surgeries on their left knees. If they start the season on the PUP list, they cannot play for six weeks. Sharper Jersey said he doesn't want to consider that option right now. "I feel good and that's not just me saying that because you guys are asking me right now," Sharper Jersey said. "I truly, honestly feel good. I'm happy with the healing process. I feel as though it's healed. Now it's just getting in that football shape and getting ready to go." Payton will have to make a decision by Saturday on whether to keep Sharper Jersey and Ingram on the PUP list,MLB Jerseys, place them on the 53-man active roster or release them. The rehabilitation process from microfracture surgery — a process designed to regenerate cartilage padding the joint — often requires patience. "You have to make sure you don't rush, especially this type of injury that I'm dealing with," Sharper Jersey said. "There's no real reason to rush it right now, because of the fact that we haven't started playing regular season games." NOTES: Payton said several starters would sit out the game against the Titans simply to rest and avoid risk of injury, including QB Drew Brees (FSY) and DE Will Smith (FSY). ... Payton said Patrick Ramsey (FSY) will start the first half at quarterback on Thursday, and Chase Daniel (FSY) is expected to play the second half. ... The coach said rookie TE Jimmy Graham (FSY), who returned to practice Monday for the first time since spraining his right ankle on Aug. 12, is likely to play at Tennessee. Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |
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