Morris's hard-nosed running was missed late last season, but he's eager to get back on the gridiron for the 2008 campaign. Morris told the Globe in late March: "I'm really pleased with my progress. The doctors say everything looks good and that it was a freak injury, but that guys bounce back from it.

"More importantly, the way I feel, physically, just being able to do stuff and that I can push myself - at the same time not overdoing it - I feel optimistic about being able to contribute this year."