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With Graham Out, Bucs' Cadillac Says He's Ready To Go

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By ANWAR RICHARDSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 17, 2008

TAMPA - Bucs running back Cadillac Williams says he is ready to play this Sunday after learning Earnest Graham likely will miss the rest of the year.

Williams suffered a serious knee injury last season but is ready to resume playing this week after many thought he would never play football again.

"I am ready to go," Williams said. "I have put in a lot of work. I feel confident. I'm mentally ready and physically ready. I just hate the situation had to come like this with E.G. [Earnest Graham] going down, but that's football. I'll make the best of the opportunity."

Ironically, Graham received his opportunity to play last year after Williams injured his knee. Now, Williams has the opportunity to play after Graham injured his ankle Sunday against Minnesota.

The Bucs play at Detroit this Sunday, and Williams has the chance to be Tampa Bay's backup running back behind Warrick Dunn. Clifton Smith could be the third option after he fumbled against Minnesota for the third consecutive game.

After being a part of contact drills last week, Williams was activated from the physically unable to perform list, and Tampa Bay released running back Michael Bennett, who signed with San Diego.

"That's big because, for one, I was able to get reps [last week] and get my wind back," Williams said. "I have wear and tear on my body. The soreness I had last week has eased off. This week, I can get prepared mentally to go out and play Sunday. I think last week was big."

In addition, Williams believes the layoff could help him to become a better running back.

"I think I have learned to be more patient ... watching Warrick and E.G. and watching film on guys around the league," Williams said. "Sometimes I just want to really, really get going. I think this time off, [I learned] just being patient, sitting behind my blockers a lot better. In that area, I can improve."

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