Rehabbing Knee, McIntosh Works 'on the Mental Game'

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)