OT: Culpepper Ready for Training Camp

[miDeuce]

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=111770

DAVIE, Fla. -- Daunte Culpepper will take part in the Miami Dolphins' first training camp workout Saturday even though he has yet to fully recover from knee surgery last November. 
Coach Saban didn't rule out Culpepper playing in the first exhibition game Aug. 12 against Jacksonville. 

"I can't make any predictions," Saban said. "We're making these evaluations on a day-to-day basis as to what his workload is and what he is capable of doing. When the games come, we'll make those same kind of determinations." 

The Dolphins will open their second camp under Saban with much of the attention on Culpepper, acquired in March in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings. He gives the Dolphins their most talented quarterback since Dan Marino retired six years ago, but his health is an issue. 

 
Culpepper tore three ligaments in his right knee Oct. 30 and missed the rest of the season. He has been ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation and took part in the Dolphins' offseason practices. 

"I'm not saying he was 100 percent, but he was able to participate at a level where he was able to do things effectively at his position," Saban said. 

Miami's quarterbacks are off limits to contact during practice, allowing Culpepper to participate more fully. He'll share snaps in practice with another newcomer, former Detroit starter Joey Harrington. 

The Dolphins' season opener is six weeks away -- Sept. 7 against the Super Bowl champion Steelers in Pittsburgh. 

The only player ruled out for the start of camp is defensive tackle Rodrique Wright, a seventh-round draft pick from Texas who is recovering from shoulder surgery. 

Wright and several other draft picks remain unsigned, among them first-round choice Jason Allen, a defensive back from Tennessee. Players are scheduled to report Friday.