[img_r]http://wauk-am.tritondigitalmedia.com/includes/news_items/40/3722/alinjury2.jpg[/img_r]GREEN BAY The white, long-sleeved t-shirt Al Harris was wearing in the locker room Monday said it all.
For those who doubt what God can do I am PROOF
And while the Green Bay Packers two-time Pro Bowl cornerback acknowledged that coach Mike McCarthy is probably right that he wont be ready to practice when training camp opens on July 31 Harris was adamant that he will be ready to start the teams Sept. 12 regular-season opener at Philadelphia, only 9 months after suffering a catastrophic knee injury that threatened to end his career.
Theres no doubt in my mind, Harris said after the teams first mandatory minicamp practice, which Harris spent inside the Don Hutson Center working out with the training staff. There is no doubt in my mind. At all. That was my goal from Day One, and thats still my goal today.
Its a goal that none of the coaches not McCarthy, not defensive coordinator Dom Capers, not cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt dared to question Monday, but the consensus based on team physician Pat McKenzies timeline is that Harris will start training camp on the physically unable to perform list. Whether hes still on the PUP once the season begins is the greater question.
When asked during his post-practice news conference if any of the players not practicing during the minicamp were in danger of not being ready for the start of training camp, McCarthy singled out Harris, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament and did other extensive damage to his left knee in a Nov. 22 game against San Francisco, as the only one.
I think Al is going to be definitely challenged to make it at the beginning of training camp, McCarthy said. I'm sure Al may tell you something differently, but that's kind of my assessment of the information I've been given.
McCarthy said McKenzie hasnt given him a date when Harris could start practicing.
I think we are a little too far out, McCarthy said. I know Al has been in here. I saw him in there Friday and Saturday, so he is putting everything he has into it. Everybody knows the type of pro that Al Harris is. It's a serious injury and we're going to be smart with him and give him the time that he needs.
Added Capers: I wouldnt count Al out just because of the kind of guy he is. Hes been working his tail off and all that. But I think youd have to say right now starting training camp, that what we will do with him is probably continue his rehab and try to make a decision on when we feel that hes ready to (be) put out there. The worst (thing) you can do is put a guy out there, especially at that position, before hes ready, because thats a tough enough position to play if youre totally healthy.
Well just have to wait and see where he is at the different points of training camp.
Harris said the biggest issue is regaining full range of motion in his knee. He said hes a couple degrees shy of full range. Considering the severity of his injury Harris tore not only the ACL but the lateral collateral ligament, the iliotibial band, the fibular collateral ligament and the lateral hamstring that qualifies as ahead of schedule.
They (the Packers) have a timeline that theyve been going by here. Its been pretty successful, so I wouldnt think theyd change it, said Harris, who could conceivably see time only in the nickel package initially, much like inside linebacker Nick Barnett was limited in games last year following his 2008 torn ACL. As far as practicing the first day of training camp, well see. But I wouldnt be disappointed. Because as far as going out there practicing and being ready as far as game-time, those are two different things.
I talked to (McKenzie) this morning, actually. He knows my plans. I can only control what I can control, and thats how hard I work and how much I can endure in rehab. So the more I can endure and the harder I work brings me closer.