Cadillac might be ready by Sunday

By RICK STROUD and JOANNE KORTH, Times Staff Writers
Published September 13, 2007

TAMPA - Cadillac Williams said he has shown rapid improvement since bruising his ribs at Seattle. In fact, he hasn't ruled out playing in Sunday's home opener against New Orleans.

"The ribs are doing a lot better," the third-year running back said. "So everything is looking very positive right now. If it continues to get better, there's no question I will (play)."

Williams was limited in practice Wednesday. If he does play, the third-year player said he will wear extra padding to protect his ribs.

The injury occurred when linebacker Lofa Tatupu blindsided Williams in the third quarter.

"It was a tough blow," said Williams, who rushed for 60 yards on 12 carries. "Initially, my thought laying on the ground was, 'Oh, man, I've broken my ribs.'

"Once we got X-rays and they said everything looked good, I was just relieved to hear that."

Williams said he had difficulty breathing and sleeping Sunday and Monday, and struggled to get out of bed. But since receiving treatment, some of the pain has subsided.

"Monday morning, it was like I could barely breathe or cough or make a certain movement," he said. "Wednesday, I could cough without things hurting."

THE RETURNER'S RETURN: Receiver/returner Mark Jones, released Sept. 1 when rosters were pared to 53, rejoined the team. He spent the previous 10 days working out in Tampa waiting for the phone to ring.

"All I could do was just stay in shape and be ready for the call, whether it was Week 1, Week 2 or Week 7," he said. "I just had to be ready. And if another team came calling, I'd be ready to go elsewhere. I'm definitely excited to get back and be a part of the team again."

In addition to giving the team a healthy receiver, Jones will bolster the punt and kickoff return units. He added kickoffs to his repertoire in the preseason after returning punts in 2006.

INJURY REPORT: Cornerback Brian Kelly (groin) did not practice. Defensive tackle Chris Hovan (ankle) and receiver Joey Galloway (team decision) were limited. Defensive end Patrick Chukwurah (knee) will not play Sunday.

Rick Stroud can be reached at stroud @sptimes.com Joanne Korth can be reached at korth@sptimes.com.

[Last modified September 12, 2007, 23:46:33]