MARCUS ROBINSON - GOOD TO HAVE HIM BACK
August 14, 2000
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. -- When Marcus Robinson ducked his head into the Bears' huddle during a two-minute drill Monday, affable center Olin Kreutz felt it necessary to "introduce" the receiver to his teammates.
Robinson was mercilessly teased upon his return to full speed practice for the first time since a strained abdominal muscle sidelined him July 25. Yet nobody was happier to have him back on the field than members of the offensive line.
"We're just having fun. It's always good to have Marcus back," Kreutz says. "He's a big presence on the field, so we're all excited to have him back. We know the guy is going to make plays and he's going to catch long touchdown passes. With a guy like Marcus, one play and you're off the field, so the offensive line enjoys having him out there."
It's a sentiment shared by everyone who wears navy blue and orange for a living. Robinson missed the first two preseason games and nearly three weeks of practice since the injury was diagnosed. Playing with the first team offense Monday morning, the 6-3, 215-pounder caught one pass in a two-minute drill that ended when Cade McNown failed to connect with Macey Brooks on a fourth down pass.
Robinson, who caught passes but didn't run full-speed routes late last week, says he experienced no discomfort from the injury.
"I didn't feel it at all," Robinson says. "I was just running and I didn't even pay attention to it. I came out today just trying to work hard and get this thing moving, and it felt pretty good. I'm just going to go from here."
The Bears practiced without pads on Monday, meaning Robinson has yet to test his injury in a full-contact session. It's possible Robinson will make his 2000 debut in Saturday night's preseason game at Cincinnati, but his primary focus remains on the Sept. 3 opener at Minnesota.
"The season will be here before you know it and I want to be ready for the season," he says. "I don't want to have this injury worrying me. I just want to be ready for the season and get out there and play ball."
Robinson's return Monday provided a boost for the Bears, who break camp in Platteville and return to Lake Forest on Wednesday. Even before Kreutz graciously provided introductions, Robinson didn't exactly need a nametag for teammates to realize he was practicing.
"It's huge to get Marcus back," says quarterback Jim Miller. "He offers a lot of speed out there. No offense to the young guys, but a lot of time you're not sure what route they're running. With Marcus, you definitely know what page he's on. Today I noticed it was old hat, like riding a bike."
Robinson's presence should benefit the Bears' running game. A deep threat that attracts two defenders on most plays will open up the middle of the field for backs Curtis Enis and James Allen.
"It's a positive for our football team, a guy like Marcus and his ability," says Enis, who has rushed for 45 yards on 15 carries in two preseason games. "That can only help us. I'm very excited Marcus is back. Hopefully he can stay healthy and help us out. That can only stretch out defenses to help James and I run the ball as effectively as we can."
Robinson enjoyed a breakout season last year when he caught 84 passes for a team-record 1,400 yards and 9 TDs. The 1997 fourth-round draft pick posted those lofty numbers after entering the season with just four receptions for 44 yards in two NFL campaigns. He was rewarded in the off-season with a four-year, $14.4 million contract.
Wanting to build on last season's success remains a driving force for Robinson, who was frustrated to be sidelined for so long. On Monday, he was thrilled to be back where he belongs -- even if it meant absorbing some abuse from teammates like Kreutz.
"They tease me every day," Robinson said. "You get tired of the teasing, but it's all joking. You just want to play ball. You've been playing all your life and all of a sudden you've just got to stop. I was very anxious to get out there." |
