Jamal Lewis was back at Baltimore Ravens training camp, talking about "moving forward" and looking fit enough to do it - through linebackers.
Still, he couldn't hide his bitterness over a drug case that landed him four months in a federal prison and two months in a halfway house.
"I'm back doing what I like to do, doing what I do best," said Lewis, who pleaded guilty to charges he used a cell phone in 2000 to arrange a drug deal for a friend. No deal ever took place.
"I'm not a bad person. It's just me moving forward. I'm not looking back on the past and the things I just went through. My next step is really just prove people wrong, the people that doubt me and think I'm not in the shape I'm supposed to be."
Except for a tender right ankle, Lewis, who turns 26 later this month, is in excellent condition. He weighs around 240 pounds, about five pounds less than his listed weight in the media guide, and looks fit as ever.
Lewis is expected to put on pads and practice with the Ravens for the first time today. After running on his own Tuesday, he spoke for 12 minutes in front of a half-dozen TV cameras and more than a dozen microphones.
Jets
Quarterback Chad Pennington and newly signed cornerback Ty Law will not play in the preseason opener against the Detroit Lions on Friday. Coach Herman Edwards said Tuesday that he wanted to be careful with his players, both of whom are coming off serious injuries.
Eagles
Terrell Owens missed practice Tuesday for the fourth time in five days because of a left groin injury.
Owens is day to day, and the injury isn't considered serious. He has had groin problems in the past. Owens sat out practices Friday and Saturday. He returned Sunday for both the morning and afternoon sessions, but hasn't been on the field since.
Broncos
Maurice Clarett missed another practice Tuesday while he had an MRI on his sore right groin. The rookie third-round draft pick has missed several of Denver's training-camp practices because of injuries. He was listed fifth at running back on the depth chart, released this week by the Broncos, behind Mike Anderson, Tatum Bell, Quentin Griffin and Ron Dayne.
Rams
Cornerback Dwight Anderson, who had been competing for the St. Louis Rams nickel-back job, was released Tuesday for violating team rules.
Bills
Left guard Lawrence Smith is expected to be placed on injured reserve because of a knee injury. Coach Mike Mularkey said Tuesday that Smith likely would have surgery on the right knee he hurt during a practice against the Packers.
Cardinals
Antrel Rolle, the kind of aggressive, physical defender coveted by Cardinals coach Dennis Green, agreed to a six-year contract.
Saints
Offensive tackle Jon Stinchcomb became the first New Orleans player seriously injured during training camp when he hurt his right knee.
"He was in a goal-line situation, and he just twisted it. It's bad," coach Jim Haslett said.
Stinchcomb was taken to a hospital for further examination.. Stinchcomb, a second-round draft choice from Georgia two years ago who has played very little, was pushing 12-year veteran Wayne Gandy to start at left tackle.
Colts
The Colts returned to training camp weary, hot and hurting after an exhausting weekend trip to Tokyo and a 27-21 loss to Atlanta. Coach Tony Dungy said the fatigue was expected after a trip that included two flights, more than 25 hours and a 14-hour time difference.
Chargers
Donnie Edwards missed practice Tuesday due to a sprained ankle, and he and fellow linebacker Shawne Merriman probably won't play in the Chargers' exhibition opener Thursday night at Green Bay.
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