Free agent tight end Fred Davis appeared on NFL AM this morning to discuss his rehabilitation from Achilles surgery and his first two weeks on the free agent market.
Davis suffered a ruptured Achilles in Week 7 last season, forcing the team's leading receiver onto season-ending injured reserve.
Giving his first public update in months, Davis told the hosts of *NFL AM* that he was running again and was likely ahead of schedule to return.
"I feel good right now. I've been working out, rehabbing," Davis said. "I feel really good right now, I started running last week.
"I'm back on pace and a little bit ahead of schedule."
This is the first career test of free agency for the 27-year-old tight end, who was the Redskins' franchise player last season.
Having played only 19 games in the last two seasons, Davis understands why teams have been lukewarm in his pursuit.
"I think [the Achilles injury] probably did play a little part, because it's a business at the end of the day," he said. "But if a team did see me working out in the gym like I've been, I think they would change their mind."
On the eve of free agency, Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan expressed interest in re-signing the dynamic playmaker, reiterating the message earlier this week in Phoenix.
Given the opportunity to return to Washington, Davis frequently used the word 'we' to describe the Redskins.
"This is the team I got drafted to, this is the team I was with before. I've never been anywhere else, it's all I know," he said. "We're finally starting to pick up and get all the right pieces to play, so I definitely would.
"But at the end of the day, I'll play anywhere, it doesn't matter. It's just about football to me. I would like to stay here, but if I can't, that's fine as well."
Davis was asked repeatedly to assess his game, but said he encouraged teams to find out for themselves next season.
"To be honest with you, since I've been in the league, I haven't been recognized to the level that I would like to be," he said. :That's OK, because anyone knows who plays against me, or any of the coaches I've played for know how hard I work.
"But if I were to say anything, I would say that I have an all-around game. Not only can I receive and spread the field, but I can block as well, which is something I've worked on the last couple years.
"I feel like last year would have definitely been another year where I was on track to get almost 1,000 [yards]. If I didn't get hurt, I could've shown what I can do."
With his recovery well under way, Davis predicted that this would be his breakout year, where he would combine his youthful athleticism with veteran savvy.
"I don't like talking, I like action to be honest with you. If you want to see what I'm about, let me show you next year," he said. "I'm going to tell you this right here: next year, I'm going to be back before or ahead of schedule. I know that for sure."
.
.
.
