Orlando Scandrick won't take part in every aspect of the Cowboys' offseason program, which officially got underway Monday.

But the cornerback said his recovery from knee surgery is ahead of schedule and he expects to be ready for training camp and the start of the regular season.

"I'm doing great,'' Scandrick said Monday morning after the team gathered to hear Jason Garrett's opening message. "Phenomenal. We have a great plan in place, and I expect to be ready for training camp.''

Scandrick tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee during last year's training camp. He can still cite the date of the injury that forced him to miss the 2015 season.

"It will be eight-and-a-half months this Thursday,'' Scandrick said.

"I do remember wearing the brace, the struggle to walk, working on the gravity treadmill and not being able to push off. There were times I sat on the coach and didn't know I'd ever be able to do this again.

"It's still a work in progress, but there's a light at the end of the tunnel.''

Scandrick hasn't been completely cleared yet. He's lifting weights and doing some running, but that's off to the side with associate athletic trainer Britt Brown.

The goal is for Scandrick to be ready to start the regular season in September with no setbacks. Pushing him to be a full go for the start of the offseason program and upcoming organized team activities was never part of the plan. Scandrick and the training staff don't intend to jeopardize that plan by trying to do too much now.

"We're not going to rush it,'' Scandrick said. "We knew all along it was a 10- to 12-month process with the injury I had.

"By the grace of God, I'm ahead of schedule. I'd hate to come so far and get out there a little bit too early. I expect to be a full participant, play 16 games and practice every day. I don't want to have to manage this injury and skip out on practices once the season starts because the knee is tired.

"I'm excited, more about this season than any season at any stage in my career in any sport. I'm eager to prove to my teammates, the organization, the fans and the media I can be the same player if not better.''