McGahee Could Be Ready for Opener

As the Ravens near their September 7 opener against the Steelers, all the questionable pieces seem to be falling into place. Terrell Suggs is back after his holdout, Troy Smith is getting some much anticipated snaps and now Willis McGahee is saying returning for the season opener is well within grasp.

McGahee had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and hasn't handled a ball in the preseason, but thinks he will be good to go when it matters.

"I will be ready, but I don't know about playing in the preseason," McGahee said. "We will have to wait and see. It's always making progress. Every day I come out here, it's getting better."

Because he can't run yet and the clock is ticking down to the opener, McGahee is making the most out of his aquatic workouts.

"I know it ain't exactly running, but running in the pool is great conditioning," McGahee said. "Just ask Michael Phelps."

Unlike his left knee surgery after the atrocious injury in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, McGahee is positive about what to expect as he continues to work it out.

"It's not the same rehab, it's totally different," McGahee said. "This is like a walk in the park."

With his status still in a state of limbo, rookie Ray Rice might have to start realistically thinking about starting in his first regular season game. The Rutgers star has been impressive, carrying for 77 yards and a touchdown in the preseason loss to the Vikings.

With McGahee still not able to run outside of water yet, Rice has eased the mind of some Ravens fans. If you can't get one solid back, at least they have an unexpected other.