The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/362774
BY CHRIS BALAS J ake Long is back in the saddle — at least part way. Following January knee surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered against Tampa Bay Dec. 22, the former Michi- gan All-American tackle was back with St. Louis and taking part in all preseason practices. He was held out of the Rams' first preseason game against the New Orleans Saints Aug. 8, but he could have played, according to Rams head coach Jeff Fisher. It remains in doubt whether or not he'll partake in any preseason games before the Sept. 7 opener with Min- nesota, but he told FoxSports.com he'd like to. "It's always good to get some reps in live action before the regular sea- son, but that all depends on how it goes and what the coach's decision is," Long said. "Watching the [practice] film you can tell little things I need to improve on, but I feel myself getting better in those areas every day." Long, chosen by Miami with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, signed a four-year, $34 million free agent contract with the Rams prior to the 2013 season. He spent his first five years in the league with the Dolphins. Long said his knee was feeling fine and his technique was where he ex- pected given he was learning to play on a repaired knee. He was working with quarterback Sam Bradford, who tore his ACL in October and had sur- gery in November. "We were here the entire offsea- son," Long said. "He was a couple months ahead of me, so I could see where my rehab process was going to go by just watching him. It was good to have another guy there. "But it's going well. It's feeling good. I've definitely got to get the power back and get smooth out there and have confidence on it, but it's getting better every single day." TAYLOR LEWAN SIGNS, GETS CRASH COURSE Tennessee Titans first-round draft pick and former Michigan All-Amer- ican tackle Taylor Lewan signed a four-year contract worth about $11.5 million July 24, a fully guaranteed deal that included a signing bonus of a reported $6.7 million. The league's 11th overall selection became the last of the team's draft picks to reach a deal Lewan, who worked at both tackle positions during offseason practices, is not guaranteed a starting job in his rookie campaign. He will have to battle veterans Michael Roos and Mi- chael Oher for a spot in the opening lineup. Roos is a solid tackle while Oher reportedly inked a four-year, $20 million contract March 15 to re- place right tackle David Stewart. "I know this for sure — Taylor has to be able to play both sides," Titans MICHIGAN IN THE PROS Jake Long Nears Return From ACL Surgery