Chronic: Texans' Davis taking it slow after knee surgery

Texans34Life · May 19, 2006

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3874260.html

Davis won't prove he deserves the Texans' starting job this week or next, though. The Texans are still being cautious as Davis tries to rebound from knee problems that sidelined him for five games last year. Inflammation in his left knee led to arthroscopic surgery in late December, and he is just now starting to run.

"We knew before that it would be a long process before I'd be back," said Davis, who fell 24 yards shy of his third consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season in 2005. "Now, I can run. But they don't want me to run too much and aggravate it all over again. So we're just taking our time with it and being careful about the whole situation."

When the rest of his teammates started their conditioning programs eight weeks ago, Davis was still unable to run. The Texans say his knee is now completely healed.

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Davis still hopes to be able to go full tilt with his teammates when the first minicamp begins June 7. He could be ready sooner, but the Texans are wary of putting him out there too early since Davis has a history of injury problems.

"That's why we have to have our schedule set up so we can give him all the opportunities to practice well and get himself ready, but also be smart enough to know if he's tired or if he's been on his legs too long, you give him rest," running backs coach Chick Harris said. "That's what we're trying to do. We want to make sure that he's the healthiest he can be, but not eliminate his work to get him in good shape for football."

While the Texans wait for Davis, they continue to try to strengthen the depth behind him. Talks continue with the New Orleans Saints with the hopes of working out a trade for running back Michael Bennett.

At this point, the Texans' top backup is veteran Antowain Smith, 34. Despite being more of a situational back at this point in his career, Smith is used to being asked to take on larger roles. Last year, he filled in for the injured Deuce McAllister and started seven games for the Saints. He was in a similar situation with the Tennessee Titans in 2004, starting four games in place of Chris Brown.

Behind Smith are inexperienced backs, like second-year player Vernand Morency and rookie Wali Lundy. Morency is trying to adapt to the new system and earn the No. 3 spot behind Smith. But he must change his running style first.

"He's more of a shifty-type runner, and that's not what we want him to do," Kubiak said of Morency. "We tell them they get one cut and then they have to get the ball downfield. He's being told a few different things than maybe he's been told in the past, but he's responded well and practiced well."

Texans_Chick · May 19, 2006

Behind Smith are inexperienced backs, like second-year player Vernand Morency and rookie Wali Lundy. Morency is trying to adapt to the new system and earn the No. 3 spot behind Smith. But he must change his running style first.

"He's more of a shifty-type runner, and that's not what we want him to do," Kubiak said of Morency. "We tell them they get one cut and then they have to get the ball downfield. He's being told a few different things than maybe he's been told in the past, but he's responded well and practiced well."

Hmmm. The running back coach is the same as last year-Chick Harris.

And at least last year when I heard Harris speak and show game film, he is not coaching that the RBs are supposed to dance around in the backfield. In fact, last year, he was saying the same thing that Kubiak is saying--that with the zone blocking, the RB is supposed to get one cut and go downfield.

Early in the year--its hard to break that instinct, I guess.

texan279 · May 19, 2006

Davis won't prove he deserves the Texans' starting job this week or next, though. The Texans are still being cautious as Davis tries to rebound from knee problems that sidelined him for five games last year. Inflammation in his left knee led to arthroscopic surgery in late December, and he is just now starting to run.

"We knew before that it would be a long process before I'd be back," said Davis, who fell 24 yards shy of his third consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season in 2005. "Now, I can run. But they don't want me to run too much and aggravate it all over again. So we're just taking our time with it and being careful about the whole situation."

When the rest of his teammates started their conditioning programs eight weeks ago, Davis was still unable to run. The Texans say his knee is now completely healed.

If his knee was really completely healed and they are worried about him aggravating the knee in practice, how is his knee supposed to hold up for a full season wihtout getting aggravated? I understand being cautious about an injury, but the coaches are either being overly cautious or there is something really wrong with his knee. It's been 5 months since the surgery now and he is just now starting to run? :confused:

MightyTExan · May 19, 2006

I think his knee has been bad for years and Capers had him play on it. Sounds like the new crew want to give him a chance to be totally healthy.

Runner · May 19, 2006

Behind Smith are inexperienced backs, like second-year player Vernand Morency and rookie Wali Lundy. Morency is trying to adapt to the new system and earn the No. 3 spot behind Smith. But he must change his running style first.

"He's more of a shifty-type runner, and that's not what we want him to do," Kubiak said of Morency. "We tell them they get one cut and then they have to get the ball downfield. He's being told a few different things than maybe he's been told in the past, but he's responded well and practiced well."

Too bad after last year he is still inexperienced. One more guy that should have gotten more playing time.

That "told a few different things" = better coaching. I hope.

hot pickle · May 19, 2006

I wouldnt mind seeing Vernand Morency get a start or 2, but lets hope DD can get back healthy and show the NFL what he can do with a good o-line

TexanBorn51 · May 19, 2006

Patience is a virtue and IMO let the knee heal awhile after all we still got him for the season no turning back now. But what I really see as an advantage now in practice camp to this is that the time, practice, and focusing is on the other running backs to get with the system. Here you have Morency, Smith, Lundy, Cook, Hill, Weaver, and Damien Rhodes. Wow lots of running backs lots of new names now is there time to see where the shine is.

Bobo · May 19, 2006

texan279 said:
If his knee was really completely healed and they are worried about him aggravating the knee in practice, how is his knee supposed to hold up for a full season wihtout getting aggravated? I understand being cautious about an injury, but the coaches are either being overly cautious or there is something really wrong with his knee. It's been 5 months since the surgery now and he is just now starting to run?

It's just mini-camp.

El Tejano · May 19, 2006

TexanBorn51 said:
Patience is a virtue and IMO let the knee heal awhile after all we still got him for the season no turning back now. But what I really see as an advantage now in practice camp to this is that the time, practice, and focusing is on the other running backs to get with the system. Here you have Morency, Smith, Lundy, Cook, Hill, Weaver, and Damien Rhodes. Wow lots of running backs lots of new names now is there time to see where the shine is.

I agree. This should help the new guys get the reps they need in practice and perhaps in preseason games as well. As a 3rd string RB, Morency needs more reps if he wants to show he can play in this league, and show the coaches he is worthy of the #2 spot.

El Tejano · May 19, 2006

Sorry. I thought I only posted once.

Ibar_Harry · May 19, 2006

I think the surprise of the group will be Lundy. Not flashy like Davis, but has been running the scheme well for some time in college and has a nose for the end zone. He is a low to the ground type of guy who will flurish in Kubiak's scheme.

Double Barrel · May 19, 2006

I've got a bad feeling about this "healed" injury...

texan279 · May 19, 2006

Bobo said:
It's just mini-camp.