He's expected to start practicing on a limited basis toward the end of this week, but will not see live action until the final preseason game Sept. 2 against the Bears.
Montario Hardesty is confident he'll be ready for the opener Sept. 12 in Tampa.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns rookie running back Montario Hardesty, speaking for the first time all training camp, said today, "I'll be ready way before the opener'' Sept. 12 in Tampa.
He's expected to start practicing on a limited basis toward the end of this week, but will not see live action until the final preseason game Sept. 2 against the Bears.
Hardesty said he suffered a bone bruise to his right knee in one-on-one tackling drills on the last day of rookie training camp, just a couple of days before the full squad took the field. He was worried at first it was a more serious injury to a knee that was recontructed in 2005 following a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
He said it's been hard sitting out, but that he's been working hard on his rehab, attending meetings and studying film. He also said he hasn't lowered his standards for his rookie season. "I set my standards high,'' he said.
Coach Eric Mangini said Hardesty is "not going to need a ton of reps'' to catch up, because he knew the system in organized team activities and has good instincts.
The Browns targeted Hardesty as their featured back this season after trading a third-round pick and two fifth-rounders to move up to draft him in the second round out of Tennessee.