Not optimistic on McGahee

While Willis McGahee sounded hopeful about playing against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, the Ravens coaches did not sound as optimistic about the running back's availability.

Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said McGahee, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Aug.. 11, could be a game-time decision for the season opener.

"You can see that he's getting close," Cameron said today. "Whether that'll mean this week or not, I don't know."

McGahee, who has missed all four preseason games, was limited in practice for the second consecutive day but said he is aiming to start against the Bengals.

"That's the plan, but it all depends on how the knee reacts," he said. "If it's not ready to go, then it doesn't make any sense to go out there. But if it's good, then it's a go. So I'd say it's about 50-50."

McGahee rushed for 1,207 yards last season -- good enough for fourth place on the franchise's all-time list -- but if he cannot play, rookie Ray Rice would line up behind rookie quarterback Joe Flacco.

Rice, a second-round pick out of Rutgers, started every game in the preseason, rushing for 146 yards on 26 carries (5.6 yards per carry).

"If he's [McGahee is] back and healthy, I think our offense will be a lot better because of what he can contribute to this offense," Rice said. "When he's back, he's back. But if not, when I'm in there, I'm the starter whether I started the game or when I come in the game. I have to take that approach every rep I get."

(baltimoresun.com)