Injured Givens lends veteran knowledge to younger receivers
By Gary Glenn
Titans Online

Veteran WR David Givens (right) watches from the sidelines during Friday's training camp practice at Baptist Sports Park.
NASHVILLE, TN, July 28, 2007 — While wide receiver David Givens would much rather be competing on the football field, he is putting his spare time to good use while recovering from a season-ending knee inury he suffered in 2006.

Givens is sharing his veteran knowledge with the team's younger receivers each day at Baptist Sports Park. It's his way of making a contribution until he can get back on the playing field.

"Since I’m not out there playing, right now my drive is to help the guys get on the right track and learn their plays. I’m out there trying to help wherever I can," said Givens, who was signed as an unrestricted free agent from the New England Patriots in March of 2006. "It’s something I take on myself. That’s just the kind of guy I am -- trying to help people where I see help is needed. For the most part, I wish I could be out there, but I can’t so I’m just trying to do what I can to be a part of the team."

The recovery process is gradually coming along for Givens, who tore his left ACL and meniscus, and damaged bone below his knee Nov. 12 vs. Baltimore at LP Field. Prior to the injury, Givens had posted eight receptions for 104 yards. Without an exact timetable to return, Givens said he's working as hard as he can to return to the lineup.

"Recovery is coming along," he said. "It’s kind of bi-weekly right now. Every couple of weeks I feel a little bit of improvement. As of now, I’m better than I was two or three weeks ago, and every day I’m rehabbing and driving forward to get better.

"I don’t have an exact date right now," he continued. "Rehab is a long process and I’m doing everything I can to get back on the field as soon as possible."