Tennessee Titans’ cornerback Ryan Mouton hopeful for return in 2012 season -NFL News
Tennessee Titans’ cornerback, Ryan Mouton, who missed the entire 2011-12 National Football League (NFL) season due to a torn Achilles' tendon, remains hopeful of his return this year.
Mouton suffered the injury at the start of the team’s training camp last year and did not play any game or practised with the side since his surgery.
Recently, he returned to walk in his boots for the first time in 14 weeks, after having spent almost eight weeks on crutches and later working on his recovery in different situations.
The player has described the situation of being able to walk again as a new beginning.
He said that in spite of some strange feelings initially, he now sees himself moving in the right direction.
He told of his condition to a local newspaper:
"That first step, after being in a walking boot for (14) weeks, I didn't have the confidence to even put my foot down. The first step was a weird feeling. It was like learning to walk again as a child.”
He added:
"Now I feel like I am moving in the right direction. And I am definitely as hungry as I have ever been. I want to get out there and show what I have."
Mouton has not played football since having surgery in August 2011 and will probably have to work very hard to adapt to the conditions and environment once again.
He said he looked himself to be ready for the challenge and will be competing for his previous position with the start of the next season.
Some of his colleagues have also offered their support and encouragement to the player, backing him for his second coming to the league, later this year.
Wide receiver, Kenny Britt, who himself has spent quite few months on his rehab from a knee injury, said that he believed Mouton will again be an important member of the squad and crucial to team’s wins this season.
Britt said:
"I can't wait for people to see him. I have seen his determination. He hasn't been on the field in so long, and he is anxious. He is going to step up and show everyone what he has."
It is not clear yet if the player will get his former position at the secondary. Although, he himself is optimistic about competing for the job, the team management thinks otherwise.
Titans’ general manager, Ruston Webster, has welcomed the positive news about Mouton’s recovery, but said the player would be taken in the mix.
He said that there was no surety that the Tennessee Titans would be adding another veteran cornerback to the side.
However, all the possibilities remain linked to the player’s health and fitness, which will also determine the chances and timeline for his return.
Tags: