As then-Falcons offensive tackle Wayne Gandy rode off the field at Tennessee on the back of a medical cart in 2007, the visual was so haunting that it overrode the pain in his left knee -- and his heart.

"I said to myself then that my career couldn't end like this," Gandy said.

Gandy, with 14 NFL seasons to his credit, was released by the Falcons last winter, as his injury, age and salary condemned his future with a team in transition. Now, a free agent and nearly 100 percent recovered, Gandy wants to play again.

"I still have the passion to play," Gandy said. "I know I still can play and that I can play at a high level."

Gandy said he expects to be medically cleared by mid-August, which would indicate that he likely wouldn't be in anyone's training camp until the preseason is well underway. That part doesn't bother him.

"I think I've got the football part down," Gandy joked. "All I need is about a 1 1/2 weeks to get in football shape and I'll be ready."

Gandy said he was realistic about the NFL landscape and that he would be willing to accept a reserve role.

"If I get in the huddle on the field, though, I don't plan on coming out," he said.

Until last season, when he went on injured reserve after five games, Gandy had played at least 15 games a season since being drafted by the Los Angeles -- yes Los Angeles -- Rams in 1994.

Gandy said his agent has received phone calls over the past week regarding Gandy's desire to play again.

"I want to play, make no mistake about that," Gandy said.

Schwartz would not reveal what teams called but the Falcons were not one of them. Atlanta plans on replacing its one-time oldest player with rookie Sam Baker. Gandy said he would be open to returning to Atlanta if it wanted him back.

CAMP CALENDAR
Players reported July 25. Practice begins July 26 at the Flowery Branch facility with the first of multiple twice-daily sessions.

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