Willis McGahee News: Pro Sports Daily

McGahee works with second team at Ravens minicamp

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June 3

Baltimore Sun

"The Ravens' Willis McGahee was back at the team's voluntary minicamp after missing last week, but the running back worked primarily with the second team. McGahee started nine games for the Ravens last season, including the AFC championship game at Pittsburgh. Ray Rice, a second-round pick last year, ran mostly with the starters Tuesday. Last month, McGahee was limited in the mandatory minicamp because of arthroscopic knee surgery. But he didn't wear a red jersey Tuesday, which signifies his knee has improved."

McGahee expects to be ready by training camp

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May 9

Baltimore Sun

"Willis McGahee doesn't know when he'll be running yet, but the Ravens running back said he would be fully recovered for the start of training camp in late July. McGahee was sidelined for the start of the Ravens' full-team minicamp because he is coming off arthroscopic surgery. A team official indicated that McGahee had surgery on his knee, but the seven-year veteran said it was his ankle. "Believe it or not, I am excited about this season," McGahee said Friday. "I don't know why, but I am. Maybe because I actually took care of the little bumps I had in the road last year. It's all working towards the better." McGahee is coming off an injury-marred season, which led to a career-worst 671 ..."

Clark downplays fuss over crushing hit

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January 22

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"The collision that sent Ryan Clark to the sideline and Baltimore running back Willis McGahee to the hospital Sunday did not produce any lingering effects for the Steelers' safety. "I had a little headache," said Clark, who practiced yesterday, "but I have a headache after every game. Nothing really too much different than any other week." What hurt Clark more about the collision -- or at least irked him about it -- was the reaction it provoked. There were calls for Clark to be fined or even suspended, and he said replays show that it was a legal hit. Clark added that he won't get fined from the NFL for the hit, which bolsters his argument. "The hit shouldn't even had to have been ..."

Doctors: McGahee expected to make complete recovery

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January 20

Baltimore Examiner

"Willis McGahee cleared his locker at the team's Owings Mills complex on Monday after he was released from a Pittsburgh hospital hours earlier. The running back took a vicious hit from Steelers safety Ryan Clark that appeared to be helmet-to-helmet late in the fourth quarter. McGahee, who fumbled on the play, was carted off the field on a stretcher. It was reported McGahee, who had a team-high 60 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries in the loss, had movement in his arms and legs but severe pain in his neck. "[He] was released from UPMC Presbyterian Hospital early [Monday] morning and returned immediately to Baltimore," said Kevin Byrne, the Ravens' senior vice president of public and ..."

McGahee after hit: 'I'm all right'

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January 20

Baltimore Sun

"Less than 24 hours after being wheeled from the AFC championship game at Heinz Field on a stretcher, Ravens running back Willis McGahee was back in the team locker room at Owings Mills today talking about the ferocious hit he had yet to see. "I'm all right. Everything's OK," McGahee said after the team's final meeting of the season with coach John Harbaugh. "The MRI and CAT scans checked out good, so everything's good." After catching a pass from quarterback Joe Flacco in the middle of the field and taking a few steps downfield late in the fourth quarter of the Steelers' 23-14 win, McGahee was drilled by Pittsburgh safety Ryan Clark. It appeared that Clark's shoulder and head hit McGahee's ..."

'Complete recovery' expected for McGahee

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January 19

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens running back Willis McGahee, who was injured late in yesterday's AFC championship game, was released from a Pittsburgh hospital this morning and has returned to Baltimore. "[Willis] is resting at his home today. It is expected that Willis will have a complete recovery from the head and neck injuries he suffered last night," Ravens spokesman Kevin Byrne said today. McGahee provided much of the Ravens' offense yesterday, carrying the ball 20 times for 60 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 13 yards. He was injured after catching an 11-yard pass from quarterback Joe Flacco over the middle with 3:29 left in the game. McGahee was hit just after turning upfield by ..."

After big hit, prayers for McGahee

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January 19

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens running back Willis McGahee's season ended the way it began - with an injury. McGahee, who missed most of training camp after knee surgery and had a slow start to the regular season, was resting at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital last night with movement in all his limbs and was "neurologically intact," a team spokesman said. McGahee was taken off on a stretcher with 3:29 remaining in his team's 23-14 AFC championship loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Team doctor Leigh Ann Curl was staying in Pittsburgh with McGahee. McGahee had been called on to provide the majority of Baltimore's offense last night and had 60yards on 20 carries and two catches for 13 yards. His 73yards ..."

McGahee disappointed about his play

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December 11

Baltimore Sun

"Willis McGahee said his aches have improved from last Sunday, but the Ravens running back has yet to shake off his performance. In the Ravens' 24-10 win over the Washington Redskins, McGahee finished with 32 yards rushing and one fumble. He also mishandled a pitch that went out of bounds for an 8-yard loss. "I'm back to normal but I played like do-do," said a glum McGahee, who suffered a shoulder stinger and a mild concussion. "It's nothing to be happy about. Just have to do better this game." McGahee, who missed yesterday's practice for a family issue, returned today in hopes of getting his season back on track. Since rushing for a season-high 112 yards at Houston, he has totaled 58 yards ..."

McGahee finally speaks

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December 4

Baltimore Examiner

"Willis McGahee believes he knows why he didn't get a single carry in the win over the Bengals.

"I guess I wasn't consistent," he said in a gray hooded sweatshirt in front of his locker at the Ravens' Owings Mills training complex on Wednesday. "When Le'Ron [McClain] and Ray [Rice] come in they do a great job, so there is no need for me to be out there banging my head against it." McGahee has just 26 yards on 16 carries the past three games, but the team's running game hasn't missed a beat, averaging 143.8 yards per game, third-best in the league. McClain has rushed for a team-high 545 yards and six touchdowns on 142 carries, followed by McGahee (489 yards, 5 TDs) and Rice (423 yards)."

Count on McGahee returning

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December 1

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said he will continue to use three running backs for the rest of the season, and he also said the team has plans for veteran Willis McGahee even though McGahee didn't play Sunday against the Bengals. In fact, you didn't know if that was McGahee or Batman on the sideline because McGahee spent so much time in a cape. But I don't think Harbaugh was lying. He has always delivered on these kind of statements during his short time in Baltimore. I think the time off gives McGahee time to heal, and he'll be fresh later in the season. I like what the Ravens are doing with big running back Le'Ron McClain, but a healthy McGahee gives the running attack another ..."

McGahee back home, back in gear

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October 20

Baltimore Sun

"Willis McGahee continues to make himself at home in South Florida. The Ravens running back rushed for 105 yards and his first touchdown of the season in the 27-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Not surprising, it was McGahee's first 100-yard game since the last time he played here (Dec. 16, 2007). The former University of Miami star has averaged 94.4 yards rushing in four games at Dolphin Stadium. "It's always a good feeling when you play in your hometown," he said. "I've been playing every year since I've been in the league. It tends to get a little old. But you still have a little fire in you." It was the best game of the season for McGahee, who had 152 yards of total offense. But it ..."

Injuries pain McGahee

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October 2

Baltimore Sun

"With a bloodshot left eye and bruised ribs, Ravens running back Willis McGahee has just one goal for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans. "Put this in print: I just want to finish a game," McGahee said. McGahee suited up for the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals but remained on the sideline because of a knee injury. In Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns, he was limited in the second half after suffering a laceration on his right eyelid and getting poked in his left eye. On Monday night in Pittsburgh, he received a helmet to his ribs in the second quarter and carried the ball just once in the second half. McGahee said he considers himself "day-to-day" with the rib injury. ..."

McGahee's availability remains in doubt

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September 26

Baltimore Sun

"Willis McGahee's availability for Monday night's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers is up in the air as the Ravens running back's lacerated right eyelid continues to bother him. McGahee sounded non-committal today prior to practice about whether he'd be able to play against the Steelers. "I don't know how it's going to be, to tell you the truth," said McGahee, who wore sunglasses. "I'm going to go out here and try to practice and see what goes on after that." Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron sounded slightly more optimistic about McGahee's status, saying. "He's doing fine from what I can tell. His eye doesn't look great, but I think he's been doing OK in meetings today. ? He's getting ..."

McGahee's eye injury casts doubt for Monday

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September 25

Baltimore Sun

"Willis McGahee's eye remains swollen, which limited the Ravens running back in practice yesterday and raised questions about his availability for Monday night's game in Pittsburgh. "It still looks pretty bad to me," coach John Harbaugh said of McGahee, who walked through the locker room wearing sunglasses. "As long as he can see, he'll play. But if he can't, he's not going to be able to play. So, we'll have to try to get that swelling down." In his first game since returning from a knee injury, McGahee was limited in the second half Sunday after suffering a laceration on his right eyelid. The cut drew blood, forcing him to the sideline a couple of times for treatment. Believing McGahee was ..."

Buffalo Bills' McGee sits out practice

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September 17

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

"The Buffalo Bills' injury report was a brief one today as only two players were held completely out of the team's practice at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Rookie tight end Derek Fine continues to be sidelined by a sore thumb, and cornerback/kickoff returner Terrence McGee was held out due to a problem with his back. However, coach Dick Jauron does not think McGee will miss Sunday's game against Oakland. "He has a soft tissue injury and he's sore so we had him take treatment and stay out of practice," Jauron said of McGee. "We're very optimistic there." The only other player who did not participate fully is wide receiver/punt returner Roscoe Parrish who is still hobbled by a left knee injury that ..."

McGahee falling out of the running

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September 12

Baltimore Sun

"In the Ravens' new running scheme, the joke could end up being on Willis McGahee. Criticized for not showing enough commitment to the Ravens, McGahee might have to learn about the concept of "team" the hard way - as in, a running-back-by-committee situation. From all indications, it seems as if McGahee, the Ravens' featured back last season, will have to split time with two upstarts, Ray Rice and Le'Ron McClain. McGahee is expected to make his first appearance against the Houston Texans on Monday after missing the entire preseason with a knee injury. He said he could handle his usual 20 to 25 carries. "I want a full workload, but that's something the coaches have to figure out," McGahee ..."

McGahee could be game-time decision

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September 4

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens running back Willis McGahee could be a game-time decision for Sunday's season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said today. McGahee, who had arthroscopic surgery on left knee Aug. 11, was sidelined for the entire preseason. He returned to practice this week but has had limited participation. "You can see that he's getting close," Cameron said. "Whether that'll mean this week or not, I don't know." If McGahee is sidelined, the Ravens would start a rookie running back (Ray Rice) with their rookie quarterback (Joe Flacco). Rice, a second-round pick out of Rutgers, started every game in the preseason, rushing for 146 yards on 26 carries ..."

Ravens' McGahee Says He Will Play In Season Opener

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August 22

Washington Post

"Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee is currently limited to running in a swimming pool as he recuperates from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, but he expects to be running with the football when the season starts. Although he's off crutches, McGahee isn't able to jog yet. He's targeting the Ravens' season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7 for his return. "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 and the clock is ticking down to the opener, McGahee is making the most of his aquatic workouts. "I ..."

McGahee to have knee surgery

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August 11

Carroll County Times

"Baltimore Ravens star running back Willis McGahee is scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee as soon as today in South Florida. McGahee's knee has been bothering him since shortly after reporting to training camp in Westminster, and he hasn't been practicing lately. This is regarded as a clean-up medical procedure. Because it generally takes two weeks to a month to recover from a knee scope, McGahee could possibly return for the Sept. 7 season-opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. The surgery will be performed at Doctors Hospital in Coral Gables, Fla., near the University of Miami campus. It's the same hospital that surgically repaired his left knee after a devastating ..."

Harbaugh: Reed, McGahee should be ready for opener

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August 11

Baltimore Sun

"Trying to clear up doubts about two of his star players, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he expects safety Ed Reed and running back Willis McGahee to be ready for the Sept. 7 regular-season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. Reed, a four-time Pro Bowl player, recently came off the physically unable to perform list but has not engaged in any contact because of a shoulder injury. While Reed seemed uncertain whether he would be able to play at the start of the regular season, Harbaugh downplayed such a scenario, saying there has been "a lot of progress" made with Reed's injury. "No, I'm not doubtful of [Reed's availability for the season opener] at all based on what we've been told by the ..."

McGahee could miss preseason opener

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August 4

Baltimore Sun

"There is a "possibility" that Willis McGahee could be sidelined for Thursday's preseason opener and rookie Ray Rice will start at running back, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said after Sunday's practice. McGahee has missed a large portion of training camp with a left knee injury. "Right now, we need to get the fluid out of his knee and get that thing settled down a little bit," Harbaugh said. In other injury news, tight end Todd Heap missed practice with a leg injury but it's not considered serious."

Ravens to add to McGahee's workload

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July 27

Baltimore Sun

"Taking a handoff in the first contact practice of training camp, Willis McGahee hit the hole only to get stripped of the ball. If that wasn't humiliating enough, cornerback Corey Ivy shouted across the field, "Get 'em here on time, running back coach." McGahee was one of the last players to arrive to morning practice Friday, again raising questions about the mercurial running back's commitment to the team. Because McGahee skipped most of the offseason workouts this year and struggled to stay on the field last season, it wouldn't come as a surprise if the Ravens decreased McGahee's workload, especially after drafting Ray Rice in the second round. Instead, the Ravens are planning to increase ..."