Professor

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/St...?story_id=4219

The Texans’ star cornerback, who tore his ACL and hamstring against the Oakland Raiders on Nov. 4, recently returned to Houston after months of rehabilitation in Birmingham, Ala., where the surgery on his left leg was performed.

Robinson said he’s thrilled to be back at home and around his coaches and teammates. And he has a bold prediction for the upcoming season, in which he has been speculated to miss at least eight games as he recovers from his devastating injuries.

“I’m thinking I’m probably playing 10-12 games next season,” he said Thursday. “I’ll probably start the year off on Physically Unable to Perform (list) and I think that’s either 4-6 games that I’ll be out, and I’ll be back. I’ll be back way ahead of schedule.

“Sorry to disappoint the people that thought I was going to be out for a year, year and a half – that’s not going to happen. Dunta Robinson will play in 2008.”

No one is more excited about that possibility than Texans defensive backs coach Jon Hoke, who has tutored Robinson since the corner’s rookie season in 2004.

“It’d be huge, because obviously you’re getting a Pro Bowl-caliber type player,” Hoke said. “He was having that type of season before he got hurt. He has a lot of talent and raw ability. Any time you get a very good football player (like Robinson) back, that’s big for your football team. There’s no question about that.”

Since Monday, Robinson has been working daily with Texans athletic trainer Tom Colt in the team pool and weight room to strengthen his leg and increase the stabilization in his hip and pelvis. On Thursday, he arrived at the stadium at 9:30 a.m. and didn’t leave until 2 p.m.

Colt cautions that it’s difficult to put a timeframe on Robinson’s recovery, but notes the progress the cornerback has made.

“Dunta had a significant knee injury, and (considering) the complexity of his knee injury, he is doing pretty well,” Colt said. “Given that, though … it’s tough to define how he should be doing in terms of time. His knee is moving reasonably well. His strength is good. He’s so far making good strides.”

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