Alex Okafor settled into his locker at the New Orleans Saints facility and let out a big, satisfied breath.
"Another year, man," Okafor said with a grin.
Another year, yes, and one that will begin on schedule for the sixth-year defensive end, who should be a full go for the Saints' regular-season opener against the Buccaneers on Sunday (Sept. 9) at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
That wasn't a given after Okafor tore his Achilles tendon last November in the midst of a career year -- and a contract year, no less.
And it did not look like he would be ready against the Buccaneers when he collapsed to the turf with a knee injury at the Saints practice facility Aug.