McGahee backs Wes Welker

OWINGS MILLS, Md. - Ravens running back Willis McGahee has some special advice for injured Patriots [team stats] receiver Wes Welker.

“Be prepared to work harder than you ever have in your life,” McGahee said yesterday. “And when you’re back, expect to be mentally tougher. That’s a guarantee. If he does the work - and I know he will - he’ll be mentally tougher than he’s ever been in his life.”

McGahee, who played his college football at Miami, famously ripped up his knee in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, an injury so severe that when he was drafted by the Buffalo Bills it was with the understanding he would need a full year to recuperate.

Welker now faces a comeback of his own after ripping up his left knee in the Pats’ regular-season finale against the Houston Texans [team stats] last Sunday.

“The injuries aren’t the same, but the road back will be similar,” McGahee said. “From everything I’ve heard about him, he’s a hard worker. That will work well for him because, like I said, he’s going to work harder than he ever has.

“And his mind is going to be stronger,” he said. “When you go through things like this, you tell yourself you’re going to do whatever it takes to come back. The type of player he is, I’m pretty sure he’d like to do that.”

A Raven since 2007, McGahee led the team with a career-high and club record-tying 14 touchdowns this season. Yet the main threat is Ray Rice, who rushed for 1,339 yards.

“The running game helps out the receivers, and the receivers help out the quarterback,” said McGahee. “If we get the running game going, you know it’s going to be a great day.”

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(bostonherald.com)