Linebacker Shelton Quarles was led from the practice field Saturday morning and taken straight into surgery - by his daughter Gabriela, who turns 3 next month.
It was Family Day.
"That's her doctor's kit," Quarles said of the Fisher-Price case the girl toted in one hand. "She's going to operate on me a little bit. We're going to hang out at the hotel and just relax."
After seven straight days of two-a-days and late-night meetings, players got their first break from the rigors of training camp Saturday afternoon and evening. Coach Jon Gruden could tell from the pace of the morning practice it was time.
"We got a little sloppy at the end of the day, a couple fumbled snaps, unsatisfactory in terms of our standards," Gruden said. "Our players do need some time off and hopefully you'll see a much crisper workout in the morning."
Though training camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports is just an hour from Tampa, players have not had time to go home or have visitors. Saturday was their first they had seen their families since reporting to camp more than a week ago.
"We're going to give them a chance to be with their children, be with their wives and get a break," Gruden said. "This is a tradition. Family Day is very important. You have to keep in touch with your family because when it's all said and done, that's what life's all about."
Fresh Face
NAME: Anthony Davis
HT/WT: 6-4; 322
POSITION: Left offensive tackle.
COLLEGE: Virginia Tech. BACK IN THE DAY: Davis was an All-Big East second-team pick and started all 13 games in 2002. In 1999 and 2000, he played with Falcons quarterback Michael Vick.
TO MAKE THE TEAM: Davis is behind starter Roman Oben and draft pick Lance Nimmo. Traditionally, teams can never have too many left tackles, but spots on the offensive line will be hard to come by, considering the team drafted three offensive linemen. .
LITTLE KNOWN FACT: Davis enjoys playing basketball, which he lettered in during high school, in the offseason and to stay in shape. He spent a year at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va., where he played with Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Howard.QUOTE: "I can play physically with thse guys, but mentally ... I need to get the playbook down ... (Playing for Gruden is) a learning experience. He works with us. He always puts you in a position to succeed, and then it's up to you.
