CARSON, Calif. (AP) San Diego Chargers quarterback Doug Flutie
was back where he's most comfortable: on a football field.
On Thursday, the 41-year-old Flutie participated in his first
full practice since having arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on
Aug. 5.
``It was fun,'' said Flutie, the Chargers' backup behind Drew
Brees with rookie Philip Rivers unsigned. ``It was nice to get back
out there and feel like I belong. I was on the outside looking in
for about 2{ weeks.''
Flutie showed a few signs of the layoff, although he easily
moved the Chargers' offense during the 11-on-11 drill.
``I had a couple balls slip out of my hand, but that was mostly
because of my feet on the shorter, timing routes,'' Flutie said.
``On the upfield stuff, where I was letting things develop, I threw
the ball very well.''
Coach Marty Schottenheimer was impressed with Flutie's
performance. But he wouldn't commit to Flutie playing in Saturday
night's exhibition game against the Arizona Cardinals.
``We might get him a little bit of time, but what I want to do
is make sure we don't have any setbacks with the thing,''
Schottenheimer said.
Flutie, the 1984 Heisman Trophy winner who's in his 20th pro
training camp, is excited to play.
``I want to be on the field to prove that I still belong and I
can help the team,'' said Flutie, who went 2-3 as a starter last
year and gave the Chargers half their victory total.
``But missing camp time might benefit a quarterback trying to
cheat Father Time.
``It's been very frustrating being hurt, sitting back and
watching. But also, it's been good in the fact that I'm not beating
myself up. I got to let my knee heal and there's no wear and tear
on my arm and my feet feel good. So I will go into the season
healthy.''
In other news, Schottenheimer said rookie defensive tackle Ryon
Bingham underwent surgery to repair a torn biceps tendon, an injury
sustained in Wednesday's practice.
(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)