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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 6:06 p.m., Monday, April 14, 2008

NFL: McAllister to return to Saints

By BRETT MARTEL
AP Sports Writer

NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Saints running back Deuce McAllister, coming off the second knee surgery of his career, will remain with New Orleans for at least one more season.

A member of the team with knowledge of the contract negotiations confirmed the agreement to The Associated Press tonight. The person did not want to be named because the team hasn't made an official announcement.

McAllister, who was due a $1 million roster bonus by April 15, worked out the deal that cleared the way for him to remain on the roster. McAllister is traveling out of the country and was not available for comment.

McAllister suffered his second season-ending knee injury in three seasons during the second quarter of the team's home opener last season. He landed awkwardly after catching a short pass from Drew Brees. Although he walked off the field on his own, the Saints' all-time leading rusher missed the rest of the season.

Days later, he underwent surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Five games into the 2005 season, McAllister tore his right ACL during a run at Green Bay. After reconstructive surgery, he returned to rush for 1,057 yards in 2006, helping the Saints to the NFC South title and starring in their playoff victory over Philadelphia.

McAllister was drafted by the Saints in the first round in 2001 out of Mississippi. He's rushed for more than 1,000 yards in four seasons, the first Saints running back to accomplish that.