Lucas says punch by Smith was a 'blessing'

Ken Lucas stood in front of reporters Monday with a black eye and swollen nose.

Then, in his first public comments since getting punched in the face by teammate Steve Smith at practice, Lucas insisted that the incident could end up being good for the Carolina Panthers.

“I feel like what happened was a blessing in disguise,” Lucas said. “This is something I think has brought this team closer together. You may think [I] sound crazy for saying that, but I really think this is bigger than me and Steve.”

Lucas, the Panthers’ starting cornerback, said he’ll need surgery to repair his nose and will be sidelined two to three weeks after Friday’s incident. Still, Lucas said he forgives Smith, who apologized to him in a face-to-face meeting.

“I think that was a big step for this team to accomplish the goals we wanted to accomplish,” Lucas said. “Because I felt like if I didn’t forgive him, then it would divide the team up and we could pretty much throw this season away.”

Etc.
• Philadelphia Eagles guard Shawn Andrews is battling depression and might arrive at training camp this week, the two-time Pro Bowl selection told two newspapers. Andrews told the Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News that his depression started a year ago and has worsened. “I’m on medication, trying to get better.”

• Buffalo linebacker Alvin Bowen is scheduled for surgery next week on a torn right knee ligament, likely ending his rookie season before it starts. Coach Dick Jauron said Monday the Bills’ fifth-round pick will need months to recuperate.

• Offensive lineman Chris Gray, Seattle’s record-holder for consecutive games played at 121 from 1999 to 2006, said he is retiring because of a lower back and spine injury that had doctors telling him he risked paralysis if he continued playing.

• Cincinnati cut ties with injured running back Kenny Irons. He was their second-round draft pick last year, but injured his left knee in the preseason. The Bengals waived him on July 25, and put him on injury reserve after he passed through waivers unclaimed.

• Deuce McAllister and Jeremy Shockey are among several regulars that Saints coach Sean Payton has decided to keep out of the lineup when New Orleans plays its first preseason game at Arizona on Thursday. Cornerbacks Mike McKenzie and Tracy Porter, as well as wide receiver Devery Henderson, will sit out as well, Payton said.