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Injured Kelly, Williams Show Signs Of Progress

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 13, 2007

TAMPA - It was only the middle of the week, but the Bucs already felt like winners.

Some major injury concerns following a 20-6 loss at Seattle in the season opener were alleviated when players returned to work in preparation for Sunday's game against the Saints.

The early reports appear encouraging for RB Cadillac Williams and CB Brian Kelly, key performers who were hurt against the Seahawks and didn't return.

'From Sunday to today, it's like night and day,' said Williams, who suffered bruised ribs after taking a hit from LB Lofa Tatupu at Qwest Field. 'On Monday morning, I could barely breathe.'

Williams moved around a bit in Wednesday's practice, but he didn't participate fully. He said if his sore ribs continue to improve, he plans to use a flak jacket Sunday.

'There's nothing broken or cracked,' said Williams, who carried 12 times for 60 yards before the third-quarter injury. 'Initially, my thoughts lying on the ground was, man, I know I broke something. Once we got the X-rays and everything looked good, I was just relieved.'

Kelly injured his groin in the opener, and he was concerned after the game that he had suffered a muscle tear. Although he held Kelly out of practice, Coach Jon Gruden issued a promising prognosis.

'We don't believe it's a tear, and as a matter of fact, Brian's doing quite well,' Gruden said. 'His status for the game is very much in question, but I don't believe it's going to be a long-term injury.'

Phillip Buchanon is expected to start at left cornerback, opposite Ronde Barber, if Kelly is unable to play. Kelly, 31, was limited to two games last season because of a foot injury that required surgery.

IT'S GO TIME: The Bucs went 0-6 vs. NFC South opponents last year, and they are determined to rebound against the Saints, who have won four of the past five meetings at Raymond James Stadium.

'Oh, we need a win,' said Gruden, 4-6 against New Orleans since arriving in Tampa in 2002. 'We've got a lot of guys sick of losing. I can honestly say I'm sick of losing. Our fans are sick of losing. This is hard. It's sickening.'

LYING IN WAIT: Bucs WR Joey Galloway has enjoyed some big games against the Saints, accounting for eight TDs in the last five meetings between the teams.

The 13-year veteran got off to a productive start in Seattle with five catches for 72 yards, and Gruden allowed him to skip Wednesday's practice.

'I think knowing where Galloway is every play is important,' said Saints coach Sean Payton. 'It seems like every week he gets behind the secondary, regardless of coverage. I was with Joey in Dallas and he's explosive and he's someone we have a ton of respect for. He's someone that can change the game around real quick.'

BUC BITS: The Saints came out of their debacle at Indy in relatively good shape, listing TE Mark Campbell (back) as their only injury. ... In his debut with New Orleans, free agent acquisition Eric Johnson caught eight passes, the most by an NFC tight end in Week 1. ... Drew Brees was not sacked or intercepted in 65 pass attempts against the Bucs last year.

Ira Kaufman

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