With Cadillac Williams and Earnest Graham struggling with injuries, Coach Raheem Morris said running back Derrick Ward will make his first start for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday against the Giants.
Williams (knee) and Graham (hamstring) are listed as questionable, but both said they expected to play as the 0-2 Buccaneers attempt to upset the 2-0 Giants at Raymond James Stadium.
"It's a lot better than it was a few days ago,'' Williams said of a left knee that became swollen and painful two days after a 33-20 loss at Buffalo, where the Bills play on artificial turf. "The way I'm feeling now, I should be good to go.''
Ward, averaging 4.5 yards per carry through two weeks, signed in March as a free agent after five years with the Giants.
"Ward might get a full dose of his former teammates,'' Morris said Friday. "Caddy's knee was sore from the turf. He participated in practice today, but we'll have to wait and see about Sunday.''
The Giants allowed 251 yards on the ground last week at Dallas, dropping New York into a tie for 27th in rushing defense.
A week after Byron Leftwich attempted 50 passes, Tampa Bay is expected to test an injury-ravaged Giants defense on the ground.
Morris also said center Jeff Faine (strained triceps) is out for Sunday. Antonio Bryant is questionable with a bone bruise in his knee and fellow wide receiver Maurice Stovall (knee) is listed as doubtful.
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