In Deuce McAllister’s locker, front and center on the top shelf, is a gold-painted wooden carving of the word “Believe!”
After his second season-ending knee injury in three seasons, the Saints’ all-time leading rusher wants to believe he will return to the NFL as an elite running back. It won’t be easy, and he knows it.
“Obviously, the questions: Will you ever be the same? Will you ever be the back that you once were? Those are the different thoughts that obviously run through your mind as a player,” said McAllister, 28.
“I believe in myself. It’s just a matter of me putting the time in and me putting the work in.”
McAllister said an MRI exam Tuesday confirmed his worst fears: He tore his left anterior cruciate ligament in Monday night’s 31-14 loss to Tennessee.
*The San Francisco 49ers changed punt returners, cutting Brandon Williams and signing Michael Lewis, the former beer truck driver who rose to prominence with New Orleans.
*Running back DeDe Dorsey signed a two-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, who aren’t sure whether Rudi Johnson will be available for their game against New England because of a hamstring injury. Dorsey entered the Indianapolis Colts’ training camp as Joseph Addai’s backup but was released in the final roster cut. He’s been recovering from a case of turf toe.
*The Cowboys released veteran kicker Martin Gramatica off injured reserve.
