Veteran is convinced he still can have a big role
ASHBURN — The knee feels good, giving Chris Cooley something he struggled to have last year: optimism. He also understands reality. He’s pushing 30 years old, Fred Davis is coming off a terrific season and Niles Paul was moved to his position.
Recommended Stories
Yes, Cooley is entering a different stage of his Redskins career. He still might be a fan favorite; he’s also likely a No. 2 tight end with something to prove.
“It’s very apparent Fred Davis had a great year,” Cooley said, “and for me to contribute the way I would like to contribute, I have a big challenge ahead of me in proving that I’m still the player I think I can be, and I’m still the player that I was. That’s something I’m honestly excited about.”
| Note |
| Redskins coach Mike Shanahan was knocked to the ground after cornerback Brandyn Thompson slammed into him defending a pass during an organized activity session Monday. Shanahan remained on the ground for several minutes as players gathered around. He was helped to his feet (to applause) and remained on the sidelines the rest of the workout. But he did not address the media as scheduled. |
Cooley was never healthy in 2011, from the offseason during the lockout through training camp and the season. He appeared in five games before the Redskins placed him on injured reserve. Meanwhile, Davis emerged as a primary threat, catching 59 passes for 796 yards in 12 games and proving an excellent fit in this offense with his athleticism.
While this offense works well with two pass-receiving threats at tight end, Cooley’s knee and salary cap number for 2012 ($6.2 million) called his future into question. But Cooley said his knee feels good. It’s a start. He also weighs 237 pounds, the lightest of his career.
“I feel the best I’ve felt,” he said. “It’s to the point that I trust I’m healthy. It’s tough to know, but I’ve worked hard enough and ran hard enough and I’ve had no swelling.”
According to a team source, the Redskins haven’t approached Cooley about restructuring his contract either. Earlier this offseason a league source said it would be difficult to pay a No. 2 tight end $6.2 million. Also, the Redskins could have a logjam at the position with Paul and third-year Logan Paulsen.
“Any move that’s ever made you wonder what it means for your status,” Cooley said of Paul’s switch from receiver. “What I want to do is show up and play the best I can and show them I’m as good as I can be and go from there. I’ve always felt confident when it comes to playing football.”
But last season was tough, especially when Cooley reviews his games on film. He sees games from October and cringes at his lack of speed. However, his renewed confidence makes him anxious for the season.
“I can contribute to the team in any capacity,” he said. “I feel even if I’m not the guy, which is what I want to be, I’ll still be a major factor on this team and a major factor in this offense. But that’s not enough for me. I want to be the guy that catches a lot of passes and gets a lot of first downs and scores touchdowns. That’s what everyone should aspire to be, and that’s what I want to be.”
