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Dolphins Welcome Back Williams

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The Associated Press

Published: November 16, 2007

DAVIE - Ricky Williams' reinstatement is complete, with the Miami Dolphins saying they'll welcome him back on the field beginning Monday.

First-year coach Cam Cameron decided to let Williams rejoin the team after they met Thursday. The NFL lifted Williams' 1 1/2 -year suspension Wednesday.

"The meeting was positive," Cameron said. "He'll be a member of this team and will start with us Monday. He's a Miami Dolphin."

For months, Cameron had been mum regarding whether he would want Williams. In May, when discussing Williams' latest relapse, the coach said it's difficult to salvage the careers of troubled players.

Cameron said his players supported the decision to welcome the 2002 NFL rushing leader - perhaps in large part because the Dolphins are desperate for help. They're 0-9 heading into Sunday's game at Philadelphia.

Williams could play as soon as the game at Pittsburgh on Monday, Nov. 26.

Williams, 30, was suspended in April 2006 after violating the league drug policy for the fourth time. His return was delayed when he tested positive again for marijuana last spring.

"My motivation is to get my life going again. Being out of football in the situation I was in makes it difficult, you know?," Williams said. "I want to create a better life for myself and for my family, and being a football player, for me, is a big part of that."

Dilfer To Start; Smith Affected By Arm Injury
Former Buc Trent Dilfer will start for the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in place of quarterback Alex Smith, who finally acknowledged a serious arm injury has been affecting his play.

Dilfer, the 14-year veteran who struggled through three straight losses while filling in for Smith, got the assignment Thursday from Coach Mike Nolan. The 49ers still aren't certain whether Smith's injuries will keep him out for the season, though Smith has entertained the possibility.

Smith and Nolan had a lengthy meeting Wednesday following the quarterback's public disclosure that his recently separated right shoulder led to a forearm injury that prevents him from throwing well. Smith and Nolan previously denied Smith's arm injury was causing his poor play.

So with newly revealed fractures in a locker room that usually seems united under Nolan's leadership, the 49ers (2-7) will turn to Dilfer as they attempt to stop their seven-game losing streak Sunday at home against the St. Louis Rams (1-8).

"There's no time for me to be sympathetic toward Smith," said Dilfer, who has a close relationship with the former No. 1 draft pick. "My job is to go out and play the best football I can play. ... My relationship with Alex won't change, but I don't have time for that drama or any other type of drama."

Dilfer got his first snaps since 2005 after Smith was injured on the third play of San Francisco's loss to Seattle on Sept. 30.

Colts' Manning Takes Blame For Interceptions

At San Diego last week, Peyton Manning set the one franchise record he never wanted, most interceptions in a single game, with six. After the league's top pupil did his usual film review this week, Manning came to one conclusion: All six were his fault.

"It was just poor decisions and poor throws on my part," he said. "Certainly, there's plenty to learn from, from that game."

BRONCOS: Safety John Lynch should be ready to play against Tennessee on Monday night after going through a full-contact practice for the first time in weeks. Lynch pinched a nerve in his neck against Green Bay on Oct. 30. He hasn't played since.

DOLPHINS: Seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker Zach Thomas, who has missed four games this season because of a concussion and related symptoms, remains sidelined because he's lightheaded at times.

REDSKINS: Receiver Brandon Lloyd will miss the rest of the season with a broken collarbone.

STEELERS: Free safety Ryan Clark's spleen was removed during surgery Thursday, a day after he was placed on injured reserve.

TITANS: A judge accepted a plea deal reducing felony charges against suspended cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones to a gross misdemeanor that will get him probation in return for his testimony about a strip club triple shooting.

Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth missed his fifth straight practice with his sore right hamstring.

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