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Finally A New Start For Cadillac

Tribune photo by JIM REED

Cadillac Williams was returned to the practice field Wednesday for the first time since tearing the patellar tendon in his right knee 13 month ago.

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By ROY CUMMINGS

rcummings@tampatrib.com

Published: October 23, 2008

Updated: 10/23/2008 01:22 am

TAMPA - Cadillac Williams didn't sleep real well Tuesday night. He was too nervous, he said, too anxious. He had a right to be.

For the first time since he ripped his right knee apart in a game against Carolina 13 months ago, the Bucs running back practiced with his teammates Wednesday. It wasn't like old times - it was like starting over.

"I really do feel like it's my first day, like I'm at a starting point again," said Williams, who tore his patellar tendon. "But I'm very excited."

After working out in shorts Wednesday, Williams and the Bucs will put on helmets and pads today.

"We'll move quicker today," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "But we'll just take it one day at a time with him and take it from there."

The Bucs have no plans to hurry Williams back into action from the physically unable to perform list. They have 21 days to decide whether to place him on injured reserve or add him to the active roster.

"The weeks ahead will tell," Williams said. "It's not like I'm going to practice today and then they're going to throw me in there on Sunday and hand me the ball."

When Williams, the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2005, got the ball Wednesday, it was as a member of the scout team. It will stay that way for a while as the Bucs try to increase his strength and stamina, and as Williams tries to erase concern about a setback.

"To me, it's more in my mind," Williams said. "I'm able to do everything physically without a problem. Now it's me overcoming things mentally."

The biggest mental hurdle to overcome, he said, was not being able to help his team while he rehabilitated his knee.

"You really do feel kind of useless," he said. "In a way, you really don't feel you're a part of the team. It wasn't a good feeling."

Reporter Roy Cummings can be reached at (813) 259-7979.

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