Cadillac returns to practice

By RICK STROUD, Times Staff Writer
Published September 14, 2007

TAMPA - Cadillac Williams is breathing easier - so are the Bucs.

Four days after bruising his ribs at Seattle, the running back returned to practice Thursday.

Williams, who gained 60 yards on 12 carries before his injury in the third quarter, remains questionable because he was limited in practice. But his status could be upgraded today.

"I've been optimistic that he would play, and Thursday was a good sign," coach Jon Gruden said; "although we'll see how he feels (today) when we practice again."

If Williams plays, he might wear extra padding to protect his ribs.

"He's a man of few words. He doesn't say a lot," Gruden said. "He's played enough football, I think, to know whether he can or can't. We'll give him another day to see where he is after he sleeps on (Thursday's) workout.

"We'll have some dialogue before, during and after the game, I'm sure, about how he feels."

BIG EASY ADVANTAGE: The Saints will have had 10 days between games when they visit Sunday. The Bucs had to travel cross country and didn't return until early Monday morning.

Advantage Saints?

"I wouldn't say that," linebacker Derrick Brooks said. "That goes back to the bye week. Does one team have an advantage coming off a bye versus another? Who's to say? If we win, will it matter? If we lose, will it matter? To me, it doesn't matter.

"We're going to play Sunday's ball game, and that's that."

SIMMS STRIPPED: Quarterback Chris Simms has a spot on the roster, but his picture on the northwest corner of Raymond James Stadium is a goner.

Workers removed it Thursday, and word is they will replace it with one of defensive tackle Chris Hovan.

A picture of former defensive end Simeon Rice was removed Wednesday and replaced with one of rookie Gaines Adams, who also replaced him on the defensive line.

After practice, Simms, still recovering from last season's removal of his spleen, said his condition is improving.

"I just have a lot more control of my body," he said.

INJURY UPDATE: The news isn't so good for cornerback Brian Kelly, who missed his second day of practice with a groin strain. Phillip Buchanon is expected to start in Kelly's spot.

Hovan also missed practice with an ankle sprain, but he is expected to play.

Rick Stroud can be reached at stroud@sptimes.com.

[Last modified September 13, 2007, 22:20:41]