Cadillac rolling toward another comeback

It's way too early to start making predictions or including RB Cadillac Williams in the Bucs' plans for this fall. But there are indications the 2005 Offensive Rookie of the Year is making significant progress in his battle back from his second serious knee injury in as many years.

The most optimistic account comes from fellow RB Earnest Graham. In talking this week about his expectations for the Bucs' new offense, Graham mentioned Williams as a significant part of the attack. That got my attention, so I asked him to elaborate on Williams' status.

"His spirits are fine," Graham said. "Cadillac's not a guy who gets too down on himself. He's around doing a lot of stuff right now, cutting and doing some things. It's not even near (as bad) as the other injury. It's a lot less severe. I definitely think he'll be fine."

That was followed, later, by QB Luke McCown's assessment:

"Cadillac is coming on strong," he said. "He looks really good."

These accounts are promising considering Williams on Dec. 28 sustained a torn patellar tendon for the second year in a row, this time on his left knee. Just as he was beginning to heat up down the stretch after being activated from the Physically Unable to Perform List, Williams was sidelined again with what's often considered a career-threatening injury for a running back.

But don't forget the important distinction Williams made afterward. This injury, he said, would require less healing and recovery time because the tendon tear occurred at the bone, rather than in the middle. This was not the case when he injured the right knee in September 2007. Doctors consider the most recent tear easier to repair.

I haven't seen or heard from Williams in a while, but he appears to be well on his way back. There's certainly no need to rush him given the acquisition of RB Derrick Ward and the fact Clifton Smith is expected to have an expanded role. But, much like last season, there could be some real intrigue in the fall if a healthy Williams is pacing on the sidelines.

Comments

[ty guy]

Good for him. I felt so badly for him when I saw him go down in that game against the Raiders. He was tearing Oakland a new one when he went down. The offense was driving and about to score then Caddy went down and the entire team got deflated. I really think that if he had not gotten injured in that game then we would have made the playoffs and, who knows, maybe Gruden wouldn't have been fired. All in all, things happen for a reason, and I will be rooting for him whenever he gets back.

[conradbuff]

yup i agree he doesnt get hurt bucs win and on to playoffs gruden stays allen signs haynesworth a whole different bucs dimension opens up cant say its for better or worse but i totally agree if caddy doesnt go down that was a win in oak

[G. Michael Reynolds]

In the unlikely event that Caddy reads NFL blogs...

Tampa luvs ya #24. We'll see you when you get back.

[ref813]

I'll never forget him laying on the ground screaming out, "are you f#$%ing kidding me." I felt terrible for the guy. I had a feeling he had the same injury as soon as I saw his reaction. Let's hope he can stay healthy. They should probably go with the PUP list just to be safe. Once you tear up both knees it's probably a good idea not to rush back.

[Michael]

Ref813, same here. When I saw the way that Caddy went down, I cringed, and said uh oh. Everyone watching the game with me was like what. Then he didnt get up, and you could hear him screaming. It brought tears to my eyes, witching him be helped off the feild.He put everything he had into the first recovery, and then something like that happens? Anyway, good lucky Caddy. Noone can ever question your heart or tallent.

[Dave]

It was amazing to see this kid recover the first time around, hopefully that experience will aid him in his current recovery efforts. I hope he has a successful recovery and takes his time doing so!

[Erick]

I totally almost cried when he went down last year. He was doing really well too. It will be interesting to see what they do if he gets healthy and we have 4 viable RB's.

[GoBucs]

I love Williams but he is done. Its funny he is just like a GMC. Keeps braking down and someone keeps rebuilding it. You just can't trust those knees. Hell last year no one even really hit him and he tore it and it was his good knee. I really thought he was getting back to form last year to help his future, but yet another set back. Sadly they might just let him go after he is available on the PUP list. Ward,Smith, and Graham are going to fine without a fourth. And the Bucs might draft a RB in the lower rounds anyway. Williams was great to watch, but it looks like his body is not made for football with all the injuries.

[D Block]

I guess we disagree "GoBucs" i think Caddy will be fine. He should have never played last yr in my opinion & a few others. He did he got hurt Gruden got fired bucs missed the playoffs. Ok that was last yr, the bucs now have Ward, Graham, Smith & Askew who can run the ball so no rush. When Caddy returns he will be a breath of fresh air & excitement he is one of the few backs that actually get stronger as the game goes on. We Love Caddy & the injury is not career threatening!

[DR]

Sadly, i think caddy's career is over. He might come back as a 3rd string RB but never will he be the main guy on any team. He came into the league as a questionionable 20+carry guy since he never did that in college and his body broke down pretty quickly in the pros.
Not sure how anyone would think that Allen would have brought in Haynesworth. What evidence in the past 5 years has warranted the thought that they would bring ina big time player for big time dollars? I can't think of any besides Charlie Garner, LOL!

[Randy C]

Don't be to quick to call Caddy done! He's one of those rare breeds that will only accept being at the highest level. Used correctly, he's got a lot left in the tank. Bet here is he'll be ready by camp opening in july.

[Garick]

I've always loved Caddy's attitude, it's not his fault he's had bad luck on the injury front. Sounds like he's making good progress. If he comes back, we will have a 3 headed monster at the running back position. Very exciting!

[Yoshi]

I definately think Caddy will come back. His experience in with the first injury will make this one go alot more smoothly and his rehab faster. Like they say, if a knee is rehabilitated correctly, it actually becomes stronger. Im no physician but that is what i hear. As mentioned above if caddy didnt get injured we would have won that oakland game. Im sure the fact that he suffered a similar injury only motivates him even more to come back prove people wrong. I would not mind having our own version of earth wind and fire. I with ya Caddy!

[OAR]

That's right DR-flip the foosball god keep on shaken and rubbin that magic eightball to your hearts desire. Go back to that rock!

[ORLBUCFAN]

Cadillac deserves another chance. He came back a little too early cos he was chompin' at the bit to play. If he hadn't gotten injured, Oakland would have been (limp) toast.

He doesn't have a rap sheet nor does he get into that stupid gangbanger mode. He is a fine young man. His character and the fact that Tampa paid a king's ransom for him(!) gives him that chance.

Take it one day at a time, Cadillac. I'm rootin' for you.

[conradbuff]

actualy caddy was a little underpaid due to him hastily signing a contract in order to be signed by the opening of training camp if i recall correctly

[OAR]

conradbuff, that's what I recall also and thought he was stand up kinda guy for not holding out or missing training camp.

[blindjim]

Caddy be well. I do pray for a speedy and full recovery... the issue here is Caddy simply is NOT a full feature back. he wasn't in college... he wasn't in the pros. it's a crying shame to see anyone endure such a string of injuries, but it isn't precedent setting either... remebber Cinci's first picks at RB? That one never did play but a couple games. Cowboys WR pick who broke his legs twice in his first two years? Caddy's surrent situation is Gruden's fault 100%... Gruden is a players worst enemy. he chews them up and spits them out. he's a heartless, insufferable, SOB. Gruden burned up Caddy in his first year, and brought him back too soon in hopes of saving his own hide.

[DR]

Cry all you want but I'm just stating facts. Besides his first four games, Caddy has been injury prone and didn't prove he was capable of being a legitimate threat at RB. Not many RBs come back with one knee injury and become the same player and Caddy has the worst possible knee injury on both of his knees. For an injury prone RB to all of the sudden come back and be top talent in the league is hoping for a miracle. I just don't see it happening. If he comes back, it will be as 3rd string or 2nd string at best. He shouldn't come back next year to make sure he rehabs and gets the proper rest for full recovery. The Bucs don't need him right now.