Orchard Park, NY -- A youth movement at one position in particular for the Buffalo Bills has claimed a few separate casualties through the past couple of seasons.
Players like Stephon Gilmore, Aaron Williams, Justin Rogers, Ron Brooks and more have all been added to the fray. But as far as cornerbacks go, Terrence McGee has been a part of the act through it all.
When healthy, it's hard to ignore the presence McGee has on the field. His 17 interceptions and overall tackling abilities over the first seven years of his career prove that. However, the injuries have been the kryptonite for the 31-year old in his playing days.
"Now, the last time I had a healthy season... I can't even remember," McGee said on Thursday. "You probably have to update me on that."
Through nine seasons in the NFL, McGee has played in all 16 games only once (2004). The last time he came close to a full 16-game season was in 2007, when he started 15 games.
Since then, he's slowly but surely missed more and more time each and every year. He didn't play in two games in 2008, then five games in 2009, seven in 2010 and that was followed by a 10-game absence just last season.
A knee injury was the reason behind his downfall in 2011, and is also why McGee has yet to participate in full during the first two weeks of Organized Team Activities. Admitting that his knee is only around 75-percent to this point, the cornerback has a target date in mind for when he believes he can be ready to practice in full.
"I've got my good and bad days. I haven't been able to practice yet, full speed or whatever," McGee said. "I'm really just trying to come out here every day, work hard with the strength coach and getting my strength back in my leg. Really just trying to get ready for training camp."
Because of his vast injury history, McGee and the Bills agreed on a restructured contract that makes it more of a playing time-based incentive contract that could yield the entire amount it was originally signed for. It affects the final two years of his deal, which runs out after 2013.
The restructured deal is a preventative measure to both protect the Bills, and help McGee stick in Buffalo for another season at least.
It's been a struggle in recent years, but the cornerback believes if he stays healthy he can make an impact for the team.
"If I'm healthy, I'm not worried about myself," McGee remarked. "So that's my whole point, just trying to get this knee right -- get it 100-percent -- so I can compete for a job."
McGee is seemingly in a four-way battle for two starting jobs at cornerback this season. Gilmore, Williams and Leodis McKelvin are also the likely competitors for the starting roles.
The Bills conclude their second week of OTA's on Friday at One Bills Drive.
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