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BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Correll Buckhalter took some handoffs, made a few cuts and burst through open holes.
It was no minor accomplishment.
After missing three full seasons in the last four years with knee injuries, Buckhalter returned to the field Monday when the Philadelphia Eagles held their first full-team practice of training camp.
"I feel fortunate and blessed to have sustained two injuries to one leg and be able to come back," Buckhalter said. "They say hard work pays off. One thing I love to do is play football. I told myself I'd do everything I can to get back. The odds were against me. I went against those odds and I'm going to keep working hard."
When healthy, Buckhalter has been a productive running back. A sixth-year pro from Nebraska, he averaged 4.5 yards per carry and set the team's rookie rushing record with 586 yards in 2001. Buckhalter chipped in with 542 yards and eight touchdowns as part of a three-pronged running attack with Duce Staley and Brian Westbrook in 2003.
But staying on the field is Buckhalter's toughest challenge. He sat out the 2002 season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the team's first minicamp. He tore his right patella tendon in a preseason game in 2004 and did it again in practice last August.
Despite the setbacks, Buckhalter never gave up hope. He spent countless hours rehabbing his knee so he could play again.
"He's a tough kid," coach Andy Reid said. "He's a great kid and a hard worker. You have seen all of the challenges that he's had and how he's come back and he's pushed himself through these different rehabs. They were kind of freak accidents that happened that could have very easily discouraged him and he has persevered."
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