The first indication the New Orleans Saints gave that they believed quarterback Jameis Winston would be fully recovered from the torn ACL and damage to his MCL he suffered last Halloween in time to play in Week 1 this coming September came in March when they re-signed him via a two-year deal. 

Earlier this month, Saints head coach Dennis Allen told reporters Winston was on track to be ready to go for the regular-season opener, and Allen remarked earlier on Thursday that the 28-year-old "looked good" while participating in on-field workouts during organized team activities. Winston offered his own update and also sounded optimistic regarding his recovery. 

"Drops are at full speed right now," Winston explained, according to John DeShazier of the club's website. "Still progressing into running. But I'm more just taking advantage of every opportunity I can get. I'm happy I can take full-speed reps with passing, not rolling out and stuff yet. (But) everything is going great."

Back in February, a video surfaced showing Winston utilizing an anti-gravity treadmill. In his mind, he potentially could've taken snaps at that time, if necessary. 

"I felt in three months that I was back to this point," a smiling Winston added during his comments. "But I'm always embracing the process, always trying to find new ways. It's actually a blessing in disguise, being able to strengthen other muscles — my hip flexors, my glutes, my quads and hamstrings. Just kind of revamping my whole body and just making sure everything is tight-knit and ready to go."

The Saints have veteran Andy Dalton on the roster as a backup and a "break glass in case of emergency" option, but Winston seems eager to keep his new teammate on the sidelines through the fall. 

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!