The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/575020
BY CHRIS BALAS F ormer Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long is back in the NFL after a short hiatus. The No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, Long has recovered from a second surgery on a torn ACL and recently signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Long practiced with the team prior to its week two game with the New York Giants — another team he'd vis- ited recently — but wasn't activated. For now, at least, he's a depth guy. "I just want to play football. I love this game," Long told the Associated Press. "I want to come here and help this team win, whatever capacity that is. I'm going to compete, help this line get better, get better myself and help this team get better." Long blew out his right knee each of the past two seasons. He played in only seven games last year before the St. Louis Rams released him. Teams wanted to make sure he was healthy this year before taking a chance on him, so Long wasn't signed until after week one games were complete. ''I understood it, but it was hard to watch," Long said. "It was hard to watch [training camps] and the pre- season, and especially week one. I've been champing at the bit for a while to get back. I can't wait." Head coach Dan Quinn said Long could help a team that seems to be on its way up, but added it could take MICHIGAN IN THE PROS Jake Long Joins The Falcons Long, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2008 and a four-time Pro Bowl selection, signed a one-year deal with the Falcons after recov- ering from his second knee injury in two seasons. PHOTO COURTESY ST. LOUIS RAMS