McGahee on the upswing

OWINGS MILLS -- The fluid drained from Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee's left knee filled up a large syringe last week, a painful procedure prior to a 27-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

McGahee still wound up producing his top performance of the season, rushing for 105 yards and scoring his second touchdown of the year.

Although he clearly wasn't 100 percent, McGahee generated his first 100-yard game since a Dec. 16, 2007 overtime loss to the Dolphins. He was upgraded to full participation in practice Thursday on the official injury report.

"I've been dealing with the knee all year, and, hopefully, it acts right this week," said McGahee, who had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in August. "It's just football, it happens. I'm all right to play."

Unlike previous outings where he has been limited by eye, rib and knee injuries, McGahee finished the game and piled up a season-high 152 yards of total offense. He also lost a fumble after a 35-yard screen, but redeemed himself with a five-yard touchdown to close the game out.

"The first four games were really my preseason," said McGahee, who was inactive during the preseason and didn't play in the season-opener due to the knee. "I was a little rusty, but, hopefully, it can be this way week in and week out now."

McGahee has averaged 94.4 rushing yards in four games at Dolphin Stadium, excelling in familiar territory in the NFL after starring at the University of Miami.

"It's always a good feeling when you play in your hometown," McGahee said. "I've been playing every year since I've been in the league. It tends to get a little old, but you still have a little fire in you."

For the season, McGahee has gained a team-high 293 yards on 77 carries for a 3.8 average with 11 receptions for 105 yards.

Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron had envisioned making McGahee the centerpiece of the offense during the offseason. Now, he's hoping to increase McGahee's role if his health allows.

"I have a ton of respect for what Willis did last week, taking 30 cc out of a knee and then coming out with that type of performance," Cameron said. "That's something he's going to manage throughout the year.

"He's getting healthier, and we need to keep him healthy. I think we all know what type of player he is and can be. That's critical for our offense, especially through the grind of the season."