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No Need To Rush Cadillac

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By ANWAR S. RICHARDSON

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 29, 2008

Updated: 07/03/2008 02:58 pm

TAMPA - Bucs fans should be highly encouraged this offseason that running back Cadillac Williams is apparently showing a lot of progress during his rehabilitation.

However, there has to be a healthy blend of realism, optimism and pessimism.

Williams played in four games last season before suffering a year-ending patellar tendon injury against Carolina. His injury was so severe, it was highly questionable if Williams would ever play football again.

Coach Jon Gruden said Williams' progress was "one of the most amazing comebacks that I've seen" during minicamp, but playing him this season might be one of the biggest risks he has ever taken.

First and foremost, Tampa Bay does not need Williams this season. The Bucs may want to see him play, but do not have to.

Earnest Graham rushed for 898 yards and 10 touchdowns and started 10 games last season. Graham has the potential to rush for more than 1,000 yards with Tampa Bay's talented offensive line, so there is no urgent need for Williams to resurrect the Bucs' running game.

The Bucs are overjoyed with Michael Bennett's progress and expect him to receive more carries this season. With the addition of Warrick Dunn, who provides speed, versatility and overlooked blocking ability, rushing Williams back this season is unnecessary.

Tampa Bay opens training camp in less than a month and Williams is not ready for contact. As a result, Williams likely will begin this season on the physically unable to perform list. He would sit out the first six weeks and become eligible to play again in Week 7, a home game against Seattle on Oct. 19.

If Williams appears ready to go by then, Gruden faces another can't-win situation.

Gruden could roll the dice and activate Williams, gradually working him back in the rotation, but if he got hurt, the coach will be criticized for his decision. If Gruden elects to sit Williams and save him for 2009, he will be criticized for allowing his running back to gain rust.

However, odds are good the talk of Williams' miraculous return was just that.

It is probably no coincidence that in the midst of Graham's contract dispute, Williams worked out when media were allowed to watch practice. Yet, Williams was not seen the following day during practice.

In addition, do not be surprised if Gruden was giving Williams incentive to keep working hard, like dangling the carrot in front of a horse. Williams is pushing himself with the intent of playing again this season, and even if unlikely, Gruden is smart enough not to kill any motivation for his running back to work harder.

Gruden said fans should be proud of Williams, and he is correct. Williams' strong work ethic and fast recovery are reasons to applaud his efforts.

He is a class act, stays out of trouble and deserves credit for tirelessly working toward his goal.

Although many people are encouraged and optimistically want Williams to play again this season, those thoughts eventually could prove to be unrealistic.

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