Curt Warner Says Knee Is Fine, but the Seahawks Will Let Him Take It Easy

CHENEY, Wash. —  Seattle Seahawks running back Curt Warner, sidelined almost all of last season with a knee injury, made his first appearance at training camp Friday and said his knee is fine.

“I got off on the right foot today, and that’s a good sign,” the 1983 American Football Conference rushing champion said after the afternoon practice.

When asked at a press conference if he was back, Warner said, “That’s the 25 hundred dollar question.” But he added, “It felt pretty good today. I’m working back into it slowly, and trying to get my confidence and timing back.

“I’m trying to step into the same position I got hurt in to see if it’s all right.”

Warner, Seattle’s 1983 first-round draft pick, shredded his right knee when he tried to make a cut in the second quarter of the season opener against the Cleveland Browns.

He suffered serious ligament damage and after surgery, spent the final 15 weeks of the season on injured reserve.

Friday’s workout was not Warner’s first ball-carrying appearance since last September, however. The former Penn State star carried the ball during a team minicamp in May.

Seahawks Coach Chuck Knox said Warner will practice in full pads only once a day, during the afternoon session, although he will work out during the morning session.

“He made some Curt Warner moves today,” Knox said. “He got up in the hole, and out of the hole in the bat of an eyelash. He really looked good.”

Friday was the first day the veterans worked out.

Warner drew several whoops from his teammates after one of his typical moves.

“I felt I have worked myself back into shape,” Warner said. “I’m in good shape, not great shape.”

But he said that following his lengthy rehabilitation he feels he is in better shape than at the beginning of last season.

“It would wear on me if I was to go through two-a-days,” he said. “Coach Knox is being good about working me back in and not putting a big strain on my knee.

“It’s always a strain on my mind when I’m out here,” he added. “I’ve been out of the game for a while, and it will take a while to get back into it. But after I get knocked down a few times, I won’t forget what it’s like.”

Warner said he felt he still had his moves following his injury, “even on crutches. It puts a bit of stress and strain on my body when I make cuts, but I’ll get used to it.”

In discussing his rehabilitation Warner said, “Today was a good indication that it can be done. It’s a step-by-step process of rehabilitation, and hopefully this is the last phase.

“When Sept. 8 comes around, I’ll be ready to go full tilt, and not use the leg as an excuse.”

The Seahawks, coming off a 12-4 regular season, their best ever and their second straight playoff appearance, open the regular season Sept. 8 at Cincinnati.

Warner said he hoped questions about his knee subside now that he’s returned. “I’d like to put it in the past, because it is in the past, and not worry about it. I’d like to forget about it. I do think about it from time to time, but I want to help this team as best I can.”

Warner gained a team-record 1,449 yards and scored 13 touchdowns in his rookie season of 1983, leading to a starting spot in the Pro Bowl.