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OneGiantThrill · 06-06-2009, 12:00 PM

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By Steve Corkran
Contra Costa Times
ALAMEDA — Rookie wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey dropped catchable passes on three straight plays during a Raiders minicamp practice May 9. He still is waiting for a chance to make amends and silence any doubters as to his worthiness of being the No. 7 pick in the NFL draft.
Heyward-Bey injured his right hamstring that same day and hasn't been allowed to practice. On Wednesday, Heyward-Bey watched as his teammates continued their preparation for the upcoming season.
"I'm just trying to make sure I'm 100 percent and make sure it's all taken care of before I get back out on the field," Heyward-Bey said after the fifth of 12 scheduled practices during organized team activities.
He estimated the health of his hamstring at 95 percent and his return to practice as coming next week.
That hasn't stopped Heyward-Bey from getting in his work in other ways. After practice, he caught passes from a backup quarterback and ran routes at less than full speed under the watch of trainer Rod Martin. He didn't drop a pass.
"That's football," Heyward-Bey said of his up-and-down moments in his short time as a pro. "You are going to have your good days, and you are going to have your bad days. It's all about how you bounce back."
Raiders coach Tom Cable is keeping close tabs on Heyward-Bey, taking care not to rush him back and risk a long-term injury.
The on-field interruption hasn't kept Heyward-Bey from learning the playbook and his teammates.
"His learning is good," Cable said. "He's a very bright guy, but that doesn't ever account for the reps that are needed to work. So, we'll get him back to work next week."
Once that day arrives, Heyward-Bey said, people will forget about any balls dropped or practices missed.
"Right now, I feel like I fit in pretty good with the guys," Heyward-Bey said. "Looking at film of last year and then seeing what we're doing in OTAs, I know I have the ability to step right in and play with those guys. I'm right there with them."
Another key component to Heyward-Bey's continued progress is signing a contract before training camp starts in late July. He said Wednesday that negotiations haven't commenced but that he is hopeful of being signed by the time camp opens.
Notes: Sixteen players did not participate in Wednesday's practice because of injury, personal matters or opting against doing so. Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, defensive end Derrick Burgess, punter Shane Lechler and quarterback Jeff Garcia were among those absent. Rookie safety Mike Mitchell wasn't present because a league rule prohibits a player from attending more than one offseason camp until his college classes for the spring term are completed. "... Tight end Zach Miller (groin), center Samson Satele (shoulder), guard Robert Gallery (calf) and receiver Louis Murphy (hamstring) returned to practice after missing practice time in recent weeks. "... Mario Henderson received the bulk of the snaps at left offensive tackle. Jon Alston worked with the first-team defense at strong-side linebacker. "... The Raiders practice today, as well as Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in each of the next two weeks.

http://www.contracostatimes.com/raiders/ci_12514365

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