Rumors were starting to surface that Kelly Gregg's knee problems were worse than expected and he might not play football in 2009 - or ever again. But Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome dismissed that talk yesterday.
In fact, no player on the roster might be readier than Gregg.
"The medical report on Kelly was great, and trainer Bill Tessendorf says he is chomping at the bit to play," Newsome said. "If we had to play a game tomorrow, Kelly Gregg would be ready to go."
Gregg, a nine-year veteran, is known as a tough guy. Along with inside linebacker Ray Lewis, Gregg has always been one of the Ravens' most hated players in training camp because he never takes a play off.
Gregg never needed any outside motivation, but he has it now. Look out, NFL.
"This is the time of the year, most players want to get away from the game; they don't even want to talk about" it, Gregg, 32, said. "It's different for me this year. I can't wait to get out on the field. I can't wait to play again. The other players are looking at me like I'm crazy."
Gregg, 6 feet, 315 pounds, missed all last season because of cartilage damage in his left knee. The Ravens hoped Gregg would be available to play after arthroscopic knee surgery in training camp. But after he missed the first four games, he was put on injured reserve.
"Every week, I thought I might be able to go," Gregg said about the beginning of last season. "But if it wasn't one thing, it was another. I either had swelling or the leg wasn't at full strength. There were times I thought I was going to play, and then it would buckle once I started running. Finally, the coaching and training staffs, as well as Ozzie, agreed that it would be best for me to have the surgery and get ready for next season."
Gregg was still a little apprehensive about having microfracture surgery, even though former Ravens standouts Peter Boulware and Michael McCrary had the same procedure years ago. Gregg had the operation in October.
"Mike called and said he had it done and wished he would have had it done sooner," Gregg said. "I feel great, so good that I believe I may have extended my career maybe two more years."
According to Newsome, the Ravens are having a hard time keeping Gregg out of the building even when he isn't supposed to be there. Gregg lifts weights five days a week, at least two hours a day. If he isn't in the weight room, he is looking at film or rehabilitating his left knee.
