Fans may see a better Dee Ford during the upcoming season. They'll certainly see a healthier one. The San Francisco 49ers pass rusher is feeling good after undergoing an offseason procedure to clean up his knee.
Ford made an impact when he was on the field, finishing the year with 6.5 sacks during his limited playing time.
The veteran defender spoke with reporters on Thursday via a video conference call and was asked how much he anticipates participating in practices once the 49ers ramp up training camp work this weekend.
"I'll definitely be a full participant all season," Ford responded. "That's my goal. As far as how it feels, it feels really good right now, just working (on getting) into football shape. Doc Andrews did a great job this offseason cleaning me up, getting me right.
"I've been working through these weird times, been working all offseason. So now, it's just about getting in football shape. But as far as 11-on-11, I plan on being in all of that, all year."
In addition to the knee issue, Ford fought through a hamstring injury during the season. He was asked if fans ever saw the player he is capable of being last season.
"At moments. But not consistently," Ford answered. "Not to my level, no. Not to my expectations, no. At times. And I did what I could, while I could. I did not want to miss that season and leave my team hanging. So, I just did what I had to do, and we got it done.
"That's a part of football. It's a 100-percent-guaranteed-injury business, so you just have guys who are willing to play, especially late in the season, when you have guys who are willing to play, Sherm was injured, we had a lot of guys injured, that's just what you've got to do.
"You've just got to deal with where you are, and provide that for the team, because you're only given 53 (roster spots) for the season. But no, I don't feel like -- you saw glimpses of me, but not to that full throttle."