Redskins WLB Rocky McIntosh says his reduced snaps late in the 2008 were not the result of his chronic knee problems.
"It has nothing to do with the knees, it's just guys are getting tired and everybody rotates," he said. McIntosh played 16 games, but didn't improve on his 2007 numbers. He'll be an injury risk as long as he's in the NFL.

(rotoworld.com)

The Redskins may continue to bench Rocky McIntosh after the third-year player watched most of Sunday's loss from the sideline.
McIntosh, who returned from a torn ACL and MCL in August, is having knee problems again. But he was healthy enough to start against the Bengals and may have been benched for his performance. McIntosh's numbers didn't decline much this year, but he hasn't made many difference making plays.

(rotoworld.com)

Linebacker Rocky McIntosh's impressive return from reconstructive knee surgery has been a major boost for the Redskins. McIntosh, who tore two ligaments in the 15th game last year, has piled up 40 tackles, just one fewer than team leader London Fletcher, a former Rams linebacker.

"The first couple of preseason games, it took him a little bit just to get the confidence back in his knee. But he's been playing well for us now," Fletcher told reporters in Washington this past week. "He's playing the run real well, making plays in the passing game, and creating turnovers. He's definitely a big part of our success."

Although he's in just his third season out of the University of Miami, McIntosh is one of the most respected leaders on the team, according to his teammates and coaches. Just don't expect McIntosh, who often turns down interview requests, to promote himself.

"We all work for each other," McIntosh said. "It's like a chain: Everybody's got to work or the chain is going to pop or break down. We've all got to work together.

(stltoday.com)

As he prepared to leave the locker room at Redskins Park the other day, weak-side linebacker Rocky McIntosh was in no mood to answer reporters' questions. McIntosh was not upset; he would just prefer never to be interviewed.

"Nah man, can't do it," he politely repeated several times in a scene that has become familiar at the complex. "You know that's not me. I'm not that guy. Why do you want to talk to me? I haven't done anything, anyway."

Actually, McIntosh has done a lot. He played well again in Sunday's 23-17 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, continuing his impressive return to the lineup after reconstructive knee surgery ended his 2007 season.

McIntosh's strong performance helped Washington limit Philadelphia to 254 yards of total offense -- including only 174 yards after the game's opening possession -- in its fourth consecutive victory. With strong-side linebacker Marcus Washington slowed by recurring hamstring problems again this season, McIntosh and middle linebacker London Fletcher have provided the group's foundation.

In his third season, McIntosh has emerged as a leader on defense, coaches and players said, especially during the winning streak. Washington (4-1) hosts the St. Louis Rams (0-4) on Sunday at FedEx Field.

McIntosh is respected in the locker room for his selfless approach and dedication during his offseason rehabilitation from the knee surgery. Of course, he would rather not talk about that.

"I'm just out there to help my teammates," said McIntosh, who each week declines many interview requests. "We all work for each other. It's like a chain: Everybody's got to work or the chain is going to pop or break down. We all got to work together. That's the way I see it."

Credited with 31 tackles, including 25 unassisted, McIntosh ranks second on the team to Fletcher in both categories. He also has two of the team's three forced fumbles (Fletcher has the other).

He was solid against the run and in pass defense in the victory over the Eagles, recording five unassisted tackles and breaking up one pass. The Eagles had hoped for a bounce on offense because of the return of All-Pro running back Brian Westbrook, who sat out the previous game after spraining his right ankle.

With McIntosh winning many of his individual battles on the edge, the Eagles struggled to run wide. Philadelphia had only 58 yards rushing on 18 carries, and Westbrook finished with 33 yards and a 2.8-yard average. "We practiced the whole week like he was going to play 100 percent," McIntosh said. "He got in the game, he made some plays, but we didn't make no adjustments. We just stuck to our game plan out there and executed."

Washington ranks 13th in the league in total defense, giving up an average of 303 yards per game. The Redskins are ninth in rushing defense with an 85.4-yard average.

"Rocky is becoming a very, very fine football player," defensive coordinator Greg Blache said. "In the run game, he's always been a big hitter, but his pass coverage is starting to improve. He's becoming much more confident, and not just as far as assignments.

"He's always been [solid] assignment-wise, but the nuances and the subtleties of the game are starting to become second nature to him. You see growth taking place, but also his ability to be a leader. Not necessarily a 'rah-rah guy,' but just a supportive guy out on the field. So there's a lot of growth in Rocky."

McIntosh also was among the Redskins' defensive catalysts during a 24-17 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3. He led Washington with 10 tackles, including seven unassisted, and was credited with half a sack. Although McIntosh reluctantly acknowledged that "it feels cool" to contribute to the Redskins' early success, he strongly believes "everybody on defense is a leader in some sort of way. There's certain things guys admire about each other."

Many Redskins players admired McIntosh for the tireless work ethic he displayed in rehab after he was injured Dec. 16. McIntosh tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee in a 22-10 victory over the New York Giants at Giants Stadium. He had surgery shortly after the swelling subsided and began the long recovery process.

Despite sitting out the last two games in 2007 because of his damaged knee, McIntosh finished second on the team in tackles with 105, including 70 unassisted, according to statistics compiled by the team. Fletcher finished with 128 tackles.

In training camp in July, McIntosh impressed at times when the first-team offense and first-team defense competed in 11-on-11 drills, but, on the recommendation of the Redskins' medical staff, Coach Jim Zorn and Blache exercised caution. They held out McIntosh from the team's first two preseason games, and McIntosh returned to the lineup on Aug. 16 against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium.

"Obviously, the first couple of preseason games, it took him a little bit just to get the confidence back in his knee, but he's been playing well for us now," Fletcher said. "He's playing the run real well, making plays in the passing game and creating turnovers. He's definitely a big part of our success."

McIntosh, who had a history of right knee problems while at the University of Miami, has put his most recent procedure behind him. "The injury, that's a long time ago," he said. "You can't worry about that. The NFL [stands for] 'Not For Long.' You can't worry about that."

And McIntosh also cannot focus on his individual success in previous games, he said, because "I don't really go by that. I'm going to go out there and do what I've got to do each week; the past doesn't matter. However, [the coaches] want me to do it, special teams, defense, wherever they want me to go, I'm going to go do it."

McIntosh has not disappointed, linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti said. "Rocky's doing the things that we expect of him, and he's taking steps every week and getting closer to being the guy he wants to be," Olivadotti said. "It's not about our expectations as coaches; Rocky wants to be a good player.

"He'll continue to prepare and he'll continue to get better. Rocky's going to play physical for you, and he's going to do good things, but he's like anybody else. We need to work on some stuff, but he's playing at a level that can help us win. It's just kind of been a progression the whole way."
McIntosh intends to continue climbing. "Some little part of the brain, you could say, 'I'm happy,' " McIntosh said. "But the rest is just not satisfied."

(washigtonpost.com)

In the next two weeks, the Redskins will need all the playmakers they can muster, with NFC East road games at Dallas and Philadelphia just ahead.

Rocky McIntosh, for his part, has been taking steps in that direction.

The third-year linebacker out of Miami continues his comeback from a serious knee injury suffered last year on Week 15 at the Meadowlands.

The last three weeks, he has exhibited that he can be a force in the Redskins’ defense.

In Sunday’s 24-17 win over Arizona at FedExField, McIntosh may have played his best game as a Redskin.

Statistically, he led Greg Blache’s defense with 10 tackles.

He also forced running back Edgerrin James into a fumble recovered by Carlos Rogers in the first quarter and combined with Andre Carter to sack Kurt Warner with just under 11 minutes left in the game.

The week before, when the Redskins outscored New Orleans 29-24, McIntosh forced a fumble by Jeremy Shockey and in the Sept. 4 opener versus at the Meadowlands he posted eight tackles.

He may be rounding into shape at just the right time.

Certainly, he’ll be tested next week when matched up, as the flow of the game dictates, versus Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten.

“This is a game that can really get us going,” the 6-2, 232-pound McIntosh said.

“The Cardinals are a good team,” he added. “You have to say that about any team with Pro Bowl-caliber wide receivers, with a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback and running back. A win over that team is a big win.”

But McIntosh knows the intensity level will be elevated the next two weeks.

“Your motivation has to be really high for NFC East games,” he said. “But really, any time you’re playing in the NFL, you’d better be motivated to do your job.”

The Redskins’ best moment last season came when they traveled to the Meadowlands in mid-December and handled the New York Giants, who went on to win the Super Bowl, 22-10.

But for McIntosh, that trip to Giants Stadium was a personal disaster as he went down with a knee injury that required surgery and a long rehab.

The way he’s played through the first three games of 2008 suggests he’s back on an upswing.

(redskins.com)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Rocky McIntosh’s confidence level isn’t quite peaking yet. But it’s improving ever steadily.

McIntosh, a Gaffney native and Washington Redskins linebacker, played his second consecutive preseason game on Saturday at Bank of America Stadium — about an hour up Interstate 85 from his hometown.

And though his team lost 47-3 to the Carolina Panthers, McIntosh had reason to feel good about the evening.

McIntosh, in the midst of a return from knee surgery, played the entire first half and recorded a pair of tackles.

“It was cool just being out there and enjoying it,” McIntosh said. “Of course the outcome was bad, but it was fun just flying around out there.”
Naturally, he had some friends and family watching in the stands.

“I brought a small group here … nothing too big,” McIntosh said. “I’ve got a lot of people from South Carolina around here that still know me. So that’s cool.”

The Redskins have been cautious in their use of McIntosh so far this preseason. Saturday’s game was meant to be a big test for his surgically-repaired left knee, which McIntosh said went well.

“(The knee) better be feeling good. I got to go out there and play,” he said smiling. “It’s good. I’m just continuing to hope it stays that way.”
“(McIntosh) is coming along,” Washington coach Jim Zorn said.

There’s no holding back physically once the whistle blows for McIntosh — even after eight months away from competition.

“Whenever I go out there, I let loose,” he said. “There’s no holding back for me. Whenever you see me out there, that’s 100 percent Rocky.”

McIntosh made his initial return to action last week against the New York Jets. It was a bit of an eerie debut, as the game was played at Giants Stadium — the same venue that McIntosh sustained his season-ending knee injury in December.

“I’m just moving along as quickly as possible and trying to get into the fit of things … so I can help my teammates,” he said.

McIntosh tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee in Washington’s 22-10 win against the New York Giants on Dec. 16. The injury necessitated reconstructive surgery and ended what had been a solid second professional season for McIntosh.

He had established himself as the Redskins’ starting outside linebacker, recording 105 tackles, three sacks, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in 14 games played.

It’s been a long and arduous road back to action for the former Miami Hurricanes’ standout.

“Definitely, it’s been about 8?months. I had to work very hard just to be out here on the field,” said McIntosh, who was drafted by Washington with the 35th pick in the 2006 NFL draft. “I sacrificed a lot of time just to make it to this point. I’ve got to keep building on that.”

McIntosh opened last season with a pair of outstanding performances against Miami and Philadelphia, respectively.

He recorded 14 tackles, a sack and forced fumble in Week 1 against the Dolphins. In Week 2, he tied for the team high with 12 tackles, including a sack of quarterback Donovan McNabb.

“I was competing hard,” said McIntosh, who finished second on the team in tackles despite missing the final three games. “I’m definitely more mature. I want to get out there and show everybody who I am. It’s time to get to that Pro Bowl-type level. That’s what I want to do.”

(goupstate.com)

Hoping to elude reporters the other day at Redskins Park, weak-side linebacker Rocky McIntosh devised a plan. As the team walked off the field after practice, McIntosh and linebacker Khary Campbell briefly disappeared behind a tent in which trainers tend to injured players.

McIntosh and Campbell switched jerseys (McIntosh wears No. 52 and Campbell has No. 50), and McIntosh reemerged on the right side of the tent and attempted to blend in with the crowd headed toward the locker room. Although some of McIntosh's pursuers were momentarily duped, Zack Bolno, the Redskins' executive director of communications, and reporters who cover the team daily were not fooled. Perhaps glasses and a fake nose and mustache would have worked better.

"I was Khary for a little minute but you guys got me," said McIntosh, his face creased by a wide grin. "I've got to find something else for you."

McIntosh has reason to be in a playful mood these days. He returned to the lineup last week for the first time since a serious knee injury cut short his 2007 season, starting in the Redskins' 13-10 preseason victory over the New York Jets on Saturday at Giants Stadium.

Being back in the stadium in which he tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee caused some uncomfortable moments on the field during pregame warmups. Once the game began, it was like old times for McIntosh, the Redskins said, and he could take another big step Saturday against the Carolina Panthers.

Redskins starters are expected to play most of the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, as Coach Jim Zorn plans to use the game as a dress rehearsal for the regular season. McIntosh, who is from Gaffney, S.C., about 50 miles from Charlotte, proved he was ready while joining the first-team defense for a portion of the Jets' two first-quarter possessions.

McIntosh is on track to be part of the opening lineup when Washington and the New York Giants kick off the NFL's regular season Sept. 4 at Giants Stadium, and the Redskins said that is good news for them.

"He was glad to be out there [against the Jets] and we were happy to have him back," strong-side linebacker Marcus Washington said. "He was flyin' around like he was having a good time doing it, flyin' to the ball and having fun, and that's the Rocky we all know."

Against the Jets, McIntosh, entering his third NFL season, and fourth-year cornerback Carlos Rogers, who also was making his preseason debut after having reconstructive knee surgery last season, were finally back in the mix against an opponent. The Redskins have exercised caution with the talented young players, limiting their exposure in contact drills since the beginning of training camp.

McIntosh and Rogers impressed at times early in camp when the first-team offense and first-team defense competed in 11-on-11 drills, but, on the recommendation of Washington's medical staff, Zorn and Vinny Cerrato, the team's executive vice president of football operations, took a wait-and-see approach. And even when Cerrato and Zorn removed the handcuffs last week, McIntosh and Rogers were closely monitored in their short stints against the Jets.

On Dec. 16, McIntosh tore the ligaments in his left knee in a 22-10 victory over the Giants at Giants Stadium. He had surgery shortly after the swelling subsided and then began the long recovery process.

McIntosh did not know how he would react to his return to the field on which the injury occurred. But he figured he would experience a range of emotions "just being back there," he said. "When I was out there in warmups, I thought about it a little, but you can't hold on to nothing like that. Just move on. Once it was game time there was no worrying about your leg.

"You got to go out there and play defense. All the other guys are playing, so you got to play, too. Just going out there and just being out there, you've got to play full speed. That's what I'm going to go out there and do no matter how I feel or what point I am [at in his recovery]. As soon as you step in between those white lines it's either hit or be hit. I don't want to be hit."

With warmups completed and the jitters gone, McIntosh lined up in his familiar spot alongside Washington and middle linebacker London Fletcher. Rogers replaced McIntosh, who was credited with only one tackle but was involved in several plays, when the Redskins used their nickel package on the Jets' first possession.

"He stepped right up there and took people on," Zorn said of McIntosh. "I don't think he shied away from anything. I think it'll take two to three games to get the instinct back. But when the play comes right at him, that's easy to read. He's right on top of it and he's enjoying it."

McIntosh "got in a lot more action" than Rogers did, Rogers said. He "got in on some tackles, so he had a big test for his knee."

In their offseason rehab, McIntosh, who had a history of right knee problems while at the University of Miami, was considered to be further along than Rogers, who tore his right anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in a 52-7 loss to the New England Patriots on Oct. 28. McIntosh and Rogers pushed each other through grueling exercises to strengthen their knees.

"Unfortunately, we had those knee injuries," McIntosh said. "Just us having the same injury, we were out there trying to work hard, [competing] against each other. Everybody heals differently. He still has a couple of months on me. That's a lot of rehab time, a lot of healing."

Despite sitting out the last two games in 2007 because of his damaged knee, McIntosh finished second on the team in tackles with 105, including 70 unassisted, according to Washington's charts (tackles are not an official NFL statistic). Frustrated about missing the end of the regular season and the playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks, McIntosh was "just more motivated to get back to where I am now."

So motivated, in fact, that McIntosh tried to eliminate anything that would distract him from returning as quickly as possible. Speaking with reporters was high on his list of distracting activities, McIntosh said in a rare interview during camp.

After the Redskins' final practice before facing the Jets, Bolno unsuccessfully tried to arrange a group interview with McIntosh, who fended off Bolno from the field to the weight room as Bolno pleaded with him to meet with reporters. Bolno estimated he spoke with McIntosh numerous times before McIntosh agreed to be interviewed earlier this week. The jersey switcheroo with Campbell was all McIntosh's idea.

"Just going with the flow, man," McIntosh said of his upbeat approach. "Just coming out here and practicing and getting to run around and things like that. Just trying to be like the rest of these guys and come out here and play."

At the time of his injury, McIntosh had made major strides in his first season as a starter. Players coming off reconstructive knee surgery sometimes need a full season -- or more -- to revert to form physically. Just in case, McIntosh has focused on becoming a smarter player.

"I'm definitely critical of myself," he said. "Everything can be better, reads and my mental game. I just want to go out there and be perfect."

In addition to McIntosh's season-ending knee injury, Marcus Washington was slowed throughout 2007 because of recurring hamstring problems and sat out four games. With McIntosh back and Washington's hamstrings cooperating, the Redskins' linebackers could be among the NFC's strongest units, defensive coordinator Greg Blache said.

"Could be, but nobody is going to give it to us," Washington said. "We're going to have to work for it. It's going to start in practice and, of course, it carries over into the game. It's definitely going to take some work, but having Rocky back helps."

(washingtonpost.com)

After playing Saturday for the first time in eight months, Washington Redskins linebacker Rocky McIntosh did something Monday he also hadn't done in ages. He talked to the media after attempting to sneak away by switching jerseys with teammate Khary Campbell.

"It was fun, definitely exciting just to be out there," McIntosh said of his brief action Saturday against the Jets at Giants Stadium, where he tore his ACL in December. "When I was out there in warmups, I thought about [the location] a little bit, but ... once it was game-time, there's no worrying about your leg. You gotta play full-speed."

McIntosh was beaten for a touchdown by tight end Dustin Keller, but strongside linebacker Marcus Washington has liked what he has seen from his weakside counterpart.

"They've been holding him back a little bit to make sure that he doesn't hurt himself, but when he's out there, he's Rocky," Washington said.
Coach Jim Zorn said he liked McIntosh's aggressiveness.

(washingtontimes.com)

Zorn added that linebacker Rocky McIntosh, who had a somewhat less serious knee operation in December, will also make his 2008 debut against the Jets. Their mutual returns bode well for Rogers and McIntosh to be in the lineup for the Sept. 4 season opener at the New York Giants.


(washingtontimes.com)

Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache is confident that WLB Rocky McIntosh (knee) will be ready for a "large role" when the season starts.
Still, a large role may not mean an every-down role and H.B. Blades could see frequent snaps on the weak side during the first few weeks. McIntosh would be a poor bet to play 16 games because of his chronically bad knees.

(rotoworld.com)

Jason La Canfora, of the Washington Post, reports Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn said LB Rocky McIntosh (knee) is progressing in practice but will not play for at least two more weeks.



(kffl.com)

Linebacker Rocky McIntosh has maintained a low profile during training camp at Redskins Park, having repeatedly declined to speak with reporters.

All subjects are off-limits with McIntosh, who has been especially reluctant to discuss his progress in rehabilitation from reconstructive knee surgery. But after practice yesterday, McIntosh, in a rare interview since a season-ending knee injury in December, said it is nothing personal, but that he is busy.

"I'm just trying to be a guy, man," McIntosh said. "I'm just out here trying to help the team out, get better. Anytime you step between those white lines, you've got to give 100 percent, and that's what I do. That's what I'm doing out there. Right now, that's all I have time for. You know what I mean?"

McIntosh, who is beginning his third season, tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee in a 22-10 victory over the New York Giants on Dec. 16. He had surgery after the swelling subsided and has been working "as hard as I can" since to return to the starting lineup.

McIntosh, who had a history of right knee problems while at the University of Miami, fared well in his offseason rehab, the Redskins said, and is considered to be further along than cornerback Carlos Rogers, who tore his right anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in a 52-7 loss to the New England Patriots on Oct. 28.

McIntosh and Rogers are not participating in 11-on-11 drills and have been ruled out of Sunday's Hall of Fame preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts in Canton, Ohio.

But McIntosh is optimistic about rejoining the first-team defense soon.

"I don't see no bad stuff" on the practice film, McIntosh said. "So you just have to take it from there and see where it goes."

McIntosh finished second on the team in tackles last season with 105, including 70 unassisted. Because of his current physical limitations, McIntosh, who was in his first season as a starter in 2007, has focused on becoming a smarter player, he said.

"Last year, I just came out there and wanted to pound everybody," he said. "From last year to this year, I know this game is more mental. I've been working on the mental game. Just forget all that physical stuff. Just be where you're supposed to be and you're going to make plays."

(washingtonpost.com)

LB Rocky McIntosh (knee) hasn't done a whole lot lately, coming back from major knee surgery, and Zorn said that indeed "right now we're holding him back, but he's getting better." Zorn said overall he's not overly concerned with the injury situation, considering most are minor, but does not like the fact that rookies are losing valuable learning days in practice.

(ffmastermind.com)

Linebacker Rocky McIntosh is someone the Redskins will keep a close eye on during training camp. Before his knee injury last season, he had emerged as a key player on defense. McIntosh wisely attached himself to veteran London Fletcher, who is the heart and soul of the Redskins' defense. If defensive coordinator Greg Blache can get McIntosh, Fletcher and Marcus Washington back together, it will be a formidable group.

(espn.com)

The continued display of the positive things that athletes are actually doing in the community that does not get any headline press!

Yesterday Redskins LB spoke with the athletes of the Brian Mitchell football camp along with Scotty Graham (former Viking and Steeler and current NFLPA Director). They shared with them the importants of team work, getting good grades and being MEN!

But the highlight of the day was having all three (BMitch, Graham and McIntosh) participate in the practice with them as they help instruct the players on the field.

Rocky McIntosh can run and hit, but the Washington Redskins' weak side linebacker doesn't like to talk about those skills. In fact, McIntosh, who declined several interview requests for this story, would rather not talk publicly at all.

McIntosh's season ended with a torn left ACL in December, but that received little attention during a three-week period that included safety Sean Taylor's death and quarterback Jason Campbell's knee injury. His teammates, though, noticed his absence.

"The surprising thing about Rocky is that even though he's a quiet guy, he'll talk a little smack out there," strong side linebacker Marcus Washington said. "That's a football player expressing a different side of his character on the field."

On the field is where McIntosh itches to be, but the Redskins' medical staff has allowed him to participate only in a limited fashion during the ongoing organized team activities. Monday marks six months since he hurt his knee, putting him on schedule to return when training camp begins July 20.

"The problem with Rocky is never trying to get him to do stuff," linebacker coach Kirk Olivadotti said. "It's making sure that he's not doing too much. He's doing everything we ask him to do, if not a little bit more."

Indeed, McIntosh has sneaked into the defensive huddle for some drills in which he's not supposed to be involved. The coaches haven't ordered him to the sideline every time.

"I can definitely relate to what Rocky's going through," said Washington, who missed most of last offseason trying to recover from his own physical ailments. "Sometimes an athlete is his own worst enemy because he tries to come back too fast. You're so used to being in there, the rest of the guys are on the field and you want to be a part of it. When they've got to hold you back, that's definitely a good sign. I just told him to be smart. We'd like him to be out there now, but I told him, 'We'll need you when the season starts.'"

After playing mostly on special teams as a rookie in 2006, McIntosh became a starter last year. He totaled 68 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles in the first eight games. He had only 19 tackles in the next five games before the injury ended his season, but Olivadotti said the dropoff didn't bother him. After all, it took the triumvirate of Randall Godfrey, Khary Campbell and H.B. Blades to fill his spot.

"Rocky had opportunities early last season that were kind of obvious," Olivadotti said. "As the season went on, he was still doing a lot of things that were real good, but some of his opportunities weren't so out in the open. He played real physical all year."

That's something McIntosh likes to do.

"He was starting to really fit his name because he was flying around and rocking guys," Washington said. "Even when he wasn't in the right spot, he got there with a bit of an attitude."

The Redskins have been impressed with McIntosh's attitude since he was sidelined.

"Rocky never got down," Campbell said. "He never complained about not being able to play in the playoffs. I know how Rocky feels because I had an ACL, too, [in 2003]. I was back in six and a half, seven months. But there's coming back the first day and there's working every day after that. There are going to be times when he has swelling, when he has discomfort. But Rocky's a tough guy. He'll deal with it fine."

(washingtontimes.com)

The Redskins are back on the field for the first time since May 8 and the big news is that Rocky McIntosh is back at his usual weakside linebacker spot for the first time since he tore an ACL against Chicago last Dec. 2.



(washingtontimes.com)

Cornerback Carlos Rogers and linebacker Rocky McIntosh are not expected to participate fully in the May 2-4 mini-camp. Both are continuing to recover from knee ligament surgery last year. Rogers is coming off a knee ligament injury suffered in Week 8 last season. He underwent surgery to repair the knee in November. His availability for training camp and preseason is also uncertain. Rogers has targeted the 2008 season opener for his return, though. He said in early March that he was "making progress" with his rehab. McIntosh's rehab has a shorter time frame, team officials said. He could be ready to participate in individual drills during mini-camp, but he may sit out team work. McIntosh could be fully healthy by training camp.

(PFW.com)

“Rocky could not be doing much more than he is, and continues to make strides in coverage as well. He is progressing so well that had Marcus’s injury been long-term, there is a good chance he would have switched to the strong side because he has the closest ability and skillset to Marcus. Very shrewd by the Skins not to deal him for Lance Briggs, вЂ˜cause he’s already better than Briggs against the run and will probably be better against the pass, too, by the middle of the season.”

(washingtonpost.com)