BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) -Correll Buckhalter took some handoffs, made a few cuts and burst through open holes.

It was no minor accomplishment.

After missing three full seasons in the last four years with knee injuries, Buckhalter returned to the field Monday when the Philadelphia Eagles held their first full-team practice of training camp.

``I feel fortunate and blessed to have sustained two injuries to one leg and be able to come back,'' Buckhalter said. ``They say hard work pays off. One thing I love to do is play football. I told myself I'd do everything I can to get back. The odds were against me. I went against those odds and I'm going to keep working hard.''

When healthy, Buckhalter has been a productive running back. A sixth-year pro from Nebraska, he averaged 4.5 yards per carry and set the team's rookie rushing record with 586 yards in 2001. Buckhalter chipped in with 542 yards and eight touchdowns as part of a three-pronged running attack with Duce Staley and Brian Westbrook in 2003.

But staying on the field is Buckhalter's toughest challenge. He sat out the 2002 season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the team's first minicamp. He tore his right patella tendon in a preseason game in 2004 and did it again in practice last August.

Despite the setbacks, Buckhalter never gave up hope. He spent countless hours rehabbing his knee so he could play again.

``He's a tough kid,'' coach Andy Reid said. ``He's a great kid and a hard worker. You have seen all of the challenges that he's had and how he's come back and he's pushed himself through these different rehabs. They were kind of freak accidents that happened that could have very easily discouraged him and he has persevered.''

Buckhalter arrived in camp in excellent shape and spent the first couple days on the physically unable to perform list. However, he worked out under Reid's watch on a side field a few times after practices and proved he was ready to participate with the rest of the team.

``I wanted to see him explode on that knee and change direction in the run game,'' Reid said. ``We'll gradually work him back into the offense.''

Buckhalter cut his weight down to 215 from 225 pounds by altering his diet and working out religiously. Still, he's the biggest running back among a small group that includes Westbrook (5-foot-8, 203 pounds), Ryan Moats (5-8, 210), Reno Mahe (5-10, 212) and Bruce Perry (5-10, 200).

``I feel better. I feel lighter. I'm quicker and more explosive,'' Buckhalter said.

If he returns to his form of 2003, Buckhalter would provide a significant boost to Philadelphia's offense. The Eagles' rushing attack was anemic last year. They averaged 89.5 yards on the ground, fourth worst in the NFL.

``I didn't put all this work in for nothing,'' Buckhalter said. ``I'm looking forward to being in the rotation and playing this year.''

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