The sight of Arrelious Benn catching passes from Josh Freeman perhaps was the most encouraging -- and surprising -- aspect of the workouts held by Tampa Bay Buccaneers players Tuesday.
On a scorching field in Tampa, Benn was seen running through drills with offensive teammates a mere six months after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, the *St. Petersburg Times* reported.
The receiver suffered the injury during a 38-15 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16, and the Bucs placed him on season-ending injured reserve days later.
Benn has been cleared to run by personal trainers from outside the Bucs organization, but he said he "trying to take it slow and be smart about it" during workouts.
"I'm new to the knee injury thing, but for the most part, I didn't think that I'd be back this fast," Benn said. "I kind of feel like it never happened. But I have to be smart. I still have things coming back together in my knee. I might not feel it, but I'm young right now, so I heal fast."
Benn said he feels prepared to participate in all future team activities, but the Bucs will have the final word on that when the NFL lockout ends.
"It's all on the Bucs and the staff," Benn said. "They know where they want me to be and they're going to do a great job of getting me ready to get back in the routine."
Benn, a second-round draft pick last year, started eight of 14 games for the Bucs last season, finishing with 25 receptions for 395 yards and two touchdowns.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.