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White says he is nearly recovered following offseason surgery

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Titans running back LenDale White revealed Tuesday that he played the entire 2007 season on a torn meniscus.

2007 Statistics
Att: 303

Yards: 1,110

Avg: 3.7

TD: 7

White, who had arthroscopic surgery on the knee in January, took part in organized team activities Tuesday after being limited to individual drills the previous week.

"This happened last year in preseason. I tore my meniscus," White said. "I played on it all season. Contrary to what people believe, I am a soldier. I played on it all year and I didn't complain, not once. I waited until the season was over to get it fixed and now I'm feeling good."

White started all 16 games for the Titans last season and enjoyed a career-best 1,110-yard season rushing in helping Tennessee to a 10-6 record and a berth in the AFC Divisional Playoffs at San Diego.

Despite his success, White said the injury was plenty bothersome at times last year. He says the knee is now close to 100 percent.

"It affected me a lot, because it took me a long time to get warmed up. It was catching a lot and it hurt on certain days," White said. "When we played San Diego, it was hurting bad. I came in and tried to put Ben Gay on it and Flexall 454, and I tried to get it warmed up as best I could. But now, I'm back and it's 100 percent and it feels good."

White is still expected to get the bulk of the carries in the Titans backfield, despite the addition of first-round pick Chris Johnson in the draft last month. Johnson, the fastest player to run at the NFL Combine in February, is viewed as a complement to White's pounding style.

"I don't view me giving up my spot anytime soon, and that's not a knock at anybody here, but I'm going to work hard. I think it's great that we've brought in a guy like him that can come in and change the pace up," White said.

Notes: Safety Michael Griffin was back at practice after missing time last week to take finals at the University of Texas. Guard Leroy Harris was held out of Tuesday's practice after twisting his knee. Long snapper Ken Amato remains out recovering from knee surgery. Receiver Roydell Williams is still out as he recovers from ankle surgery.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press