McAllister looks back at old form

Deuce McAllister spent the New Orleans Saints’ bye week at the movies.

McAllister watched video from last year, when he rushed for 1,641 yards. The difference between then and now was striking.

“You see a healthy Deuce McAllister and you see a hurt Deuce McAllister — that’s the big difference,” McAllister said Wednesday.

The Saints made up the package for McAllister hoping he can use it to return to his old ways. Last season, McAllister set team records for yards rushing and total yards from scrimmage with 2,157.

This year, McAllister has 280 yards on 82 carries and eight receptions for another 52 yards.

McAllister injured his ankle on his third carry in the San Francisco game. He was expected to be sidelined six games, but missed two.

Since returning McAllister has worn a brace, which he said limits his ability to cut to the side. With a week off and time to rest the ankle, he won’t wear the brace Sunday against the San Diego Chargers.

Vincent returns to practice

Buffalo Bills cornerback Troy Vincent practiced for the first time since injuring his knee more than four weeks ago, while receiver Josh Reed missed the workout with a knee problem.

Vincent, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee after injuring it against New England Oct. 3, was limited to practicing on the scout team.

O’Hara had staph infection

In a sport in which players are often sidelined by serious injuries, Shaun O’Hara was almost lost for the season with a seemingly benign combination of athlete’s foot and a calf bruise.

The mixture, however, developed into a potentially fatal staphylococcus infection, and it had the New York Giants starting center hospitalized for five nights.

Released on Tuesday afternoon, O’Hara still had an intravenous tube in his right arm on Wednesday as he discussed the illness that caused him to watch Sunday’s win over Minnesota from a hospital bed.

O’Hara said the infection took him by surprise. He started against Detroit on Oct. 24 and he was preparing for last weekend’s game in Minnesota when his left leg developed what looked like a spider bite about five inches above his ankle.

He developed a fever and significant swelling last Thursday morning before practice. He was rushed to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

Around the NFL

Brian Westbrook returned to practice, but he remains questionable for Philadelphia’s game against Pittsburgh on Sunday. … Junior Seau avoided a major injury for 15 NFL seasons — until now. A torn pectoral muscle has ended Seau’s season, and perhaps his career. The Miami Dolphins linebacker will undergo an operation today in his hometown of San Diego, and he’ll decide later whether to return in 2005. … The Carolina Panthers placed kick returner Rod Smart on injured reserve and claimed safety Curtis Fuller off waivers from the Green Bay Packers. Smart hyperextended his knee Oct. 3 against Atlanta. … Running back Jamal Robertson was waived by the San Francisco 49ers, clearing the way for Maurice Hicks to become Kevan Barlow’s backup.