Kellen Winslow Returns, Despite Knee Rehab

TAMPA | Kellen Winslow is known for being such a tireless worker that the coaching staff had to demand he take days off from practice last year to save his knees.

That is why they weren't too concerned or upset when the tight end hadn't made it to any of the team's offseason training activities (OTAs). They knew if he were here, it would take more than prodding to keep him off the field, and after undergoing his sixth knee surgery in the offseason, that was the last thing the Bucs wanted.

They need Winslow ready for training camp in late July and ready for the regular season, not the middle of June.

But Winslow made his first appearance at OTAs on Monday, doing some individual work, while trying to pick up the system.

"It's time to get back," Winslow said Monday. "I've been training back in San Diego real hard and this is all I think about man, getting out here with these guys, with the coaches.

"I just want to be right when I do come back," he said. "So it's just important for me to rehab strong in the offseason."

The seven-year pro out of the University of Miami was the team's top weapon in 2009, his first with the team. Winslow caught a team-high 77 passes for 884 yards and five touchdowns, often providing the reliable target for rookie quarterback Josh Freeman.

"He looks good," Winslow said of Freeman. "It's my job to catch up. He's going to be fine. As long as I do my job, he'll get the ball there.

"Some terminology things (have changed) but the basics are the same," Winslow said. "My head is spinning right now. I'll be fine. It'll take a couple of weeks. I'll be here until training camp working, so it'll be coming back."

Despite the scope on his right knee, Winslow expects to have discomfort. Still, he doesn't expect it to slow him down this season.

"It's something I deal with every day," Winslow said. "It's an everyday thing. It really is. It's not easy by any means but I've been through worse. I'll be back and I'll do my job and my thing."

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(theledger.com)