There wasn't anybody happier to be
on the field practicing during the Steelers OTA's on Monday than running back
Verron Haynes.
Haynes re-signed with the team on
Monday morning, and was out on the field moments later taking part in his first
practice since injuring his left ACL in the Steelers-Raiders game on Oct. 29.
"I feel revived," said Haynes. "I am
just ready to get out there and work. I took the field for the first time. I
feel like a rookie all over again. I feel real good."
Haynes had surgery a few days after
suffering the injury and has been undergoing rehab with the team's trainers -
John Norwig, Ryan Grove and Ariko Iso –
ever since. He knew the injury was bad when it first happened, but never thought
it would keep him sidelined as long as it did.
"When I stood up on it I feel back
down," said Haynes. "I had no stability. I knew I wouldn't be playing the next
week."
He quickly learned that the ACL, as
well as other ligaments, had been damaged and his focus changed from getting on
the field in a few weeks, to just getting back out there period as he wondered
if he would ever play again.
"It crossed my mind," said Haynes.
"I battled a lot and had to overcome a lot. I dug down deep and found out a lot
about myself. I think adversity brings out character. Every day I have just
persevered and tried to get better."
Haynes, who was released by the team
on March 1, was not even certain if he would make it back in time for training
camp. He is ahead of schedule, and that is why the Steelers re-signed him.
"It was a big concern," said
Haynes. "Mr. Rooney, Kevin (Colbert) and Coach (Mike) Tomlin told me they would
bring me back. True to their word they did."
It will be a battle for Haynes, who
faces competition from Najeh Davenport and Kevan Barlow. But he is ready for it.
"I just am coming out here and
competing," said Haynes. "The roles will define themselves. I am not about the
numbers game. That will play out itself in training camp."
Haynes feels confident that he will
be back to his old self by camp, and actually, maybe even a little more.
"I think I will be better," said
Haynes. "I am excited about the opportunity.
"Mentally there are some things I
will have to get over. First it was coming back, am I going to be able to do
that. I've crossed that. Now you are out here running and cutting every day and
it's about am I going to be able to play at the same level or even
higher? I think I am proving that now. I am out there and felt good, better than
I ever did. I just need to stay focused and get over the
hurdle."
