Cadillac Williams to start for Buccaneers against Dolphins

Running back Cadillac Williams, mounting a second straight comeback from serious knee surgery, will start at running back for the Bucs in their preseason game against the Dolphins Thursday night.

In announcing that news, coach Raheem Morris also revealed how he intends to use his running back rotation throughout the season. As will be the case on Thursday, Morris said the starter will get two series, followed by another back playing the next two series and a third getting a single series.

Asked if that would remain the case throughout the season, Morris replied, "if it works, that's what I'd like to do. I want to go into it with that thought." Morris left open the possibility that the rotation could be altered based on a particular back having a hot hand.

Williams sustained a torn patellar tendon in his left knee in December, this after tearing the one in his right knee in September 2007. His rehabilitation was much quicker than expected, but Morris opted not to play Williams in the first two preseason games.

His debut should answer any questions about his willingness to take punishment after a pair of such severe injuries, but Morris said Williams has not shied away from contact during padded practices and looks just as quick as he did during his 2005 season, when he was named Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Comments

[ref813]

It's going to be even harder to watch him play this year. I was worried for the first two games he played last year. I'll be worried until he makes it through a full season now.
I'm not sure about the 2-2-1 rotation. Some guys need to get into a rhythm. We'll find out soon enough, I guess.

[Kurt]

This guy has the heart and attitude of a champion! Take note Winslow...

[Leo In Canada]

How did the Bucs find protective equipment large enough to cover this man's huge heart? Caddy is a great inspiration!

[Dspkable]

I love cheering for this team, but for Fantasy football, we haven't gotten a single standout. Now with this (wise) estimation of how to rotate the RB's I can't see anyone having great stats unless they break one open. But at least we won't have to overwork or over-rely on any one back. Good luck to all of you.

[ceh]

I think both times he was hurt it was getting caught from behind, probably wont take long for him to break one and if they catch him, hopefully it will be a better ending

[Valrico Rick]

The running back rotation approach might work if Morris is smart enough to lock on to the "hot" back and let him play out the rest of the game. If he keeps rotating just to stick to his plan none of the backs will get into a good rhythm. Williams in 2005 form is an exciting thought!

[jerseybuc]

don't worry Rick. Raheem has already shown he doesn't necessarily follow his plan. If Caddy flashes his old form we may be better than people think...

[Larry]

All my fingers and toes will be crossed for Cadillac. He's got a great heart and a great attitude. He was dominating the game where he was hurt last year, and it would be great to see him dominate again, just got to hope the stays healthy!

[BucFandango]

Don't they have special team in Fantasy Land Football? The Bucs should do well in Special teams. Beware of the 4'th down Punt Rush. Raheem is a riot, man he kills me in his press conferences. He's a ball of fire and if he can coach the team as well as he cracks jokes, we'll be in OK shape. He reminds me of Rodney Dangerfield. Showing the team vintage 05' Cadillac runs should inspire them all. K2 needs to step up and do his thing too.

[tbbucs4755]

It sure would be nice to see Caddy return to his old form. What a great story if he could. It's going to be tough for Bucs runners with 8 or 9 guys constantly in the box unless the QB's can give defenses a reason to back off. Hopefully Raheem has a plan if one of the runners runs out of breath half way through their series... (or maybe he'll just try converting Jermaine Phillips to RB for those situations).

[Randy C]

With the improvement in our running game, we'll see more 1st downs and more carries that having the extra backs will benefit us more as the opposing D gets tired. If we see a lot of 8 or 9 in the box our big and tall receivers will be open on slants for good gains. I have never felt this good about our chances to be a very good offence.

[Itch]

I will be cringing on every run.

[Itch]

I am not convinced we will have a very good offense, but I am convinced we will have a better offense then defense for the first time in a long time.

[GoBucs]

Wow NFL Network reports Tampa has been shopping Lefty, McCown, and JJ to other teams for possible QB trade...... Once you start thinking the coaching staff is not complete morons you hear this... I hope this report is not true. It would truly show that our team is going to be bad. Sounds like Gruden is still here. If you keep saying you are happy with all 4 and its going to be a hard to pick 3 then why shopping 3 around for a possible trade? If you wanted to do this then you should have tried to get Anderson or Quinn early on in training camp. And if Freeman is going to be the starter why isn't he taking starter reps. This report seems false for all 3.. makes more sense trying to trade JJ. I hope this report is false.

[GoBucs]

Holder please check this report out. Seems crazy but just saw it on NFL network.

[GoBucs]

Nevermind its on NFL.com already..... Check it out.. Says the are hoping someone makes the QB decision for them. WOW...

[Drew]

Their looking to trade either Left-Twitch, McCown or Johnson. Left-Twitch hopefully has the better trade value. It's amazing that their looking for help to solve the quandry they've created in trying to make a decision on the starting QB.

Left-Twitch is worth an 8th round pick (I know there are only 7 rounds):)

Luke is worth a 3rd round pick.

Johnson is worth a 4th round pick.

So, based on trade value it looks like Left-Twitch is the starter and we're in for a long miserable season.

[Drew]

My prayers are with Caddy in the hope he'll be succesful for many years to come. When I think of his heart, his perseverance and determination it makes me proud to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer Fan.

This has the potential in years to come of being a story that warms the heart.

[Yoshi]

All i can say is that Caddy has earned the right to play this game and i hope he balls this season and silences all the doubters. With regards to the trade talks... i think the bucs are being smart. I mentioned this possible move a couple articles ago. Right now they are just finding out what each QB is worth so that once they name a starter the loser can be shipped off to where ever. There would be no point in keeping luke and Byron if Josh Freeman is the supposed QB of the future. I dont think JJ will get traded just because he wont have that much trade value but who knows.

[D Block]

Ha Ha i said Caddy was going to be fine and he is. I also said Mack would be the nickel corner at worst. I hope the rest of what i said comes true as well. The O & D will finish in the top 10 this yr. Looks like Luke will end up as the starter to me, i think Leftwich starting again means nothing. But if they are giving away Leftwich and JJ for Brandon Marshall hurry up and push the button before the broncos come to there senses. I'm all for that idea because as good as i think Luke is i would trade him for Brandon Marshall in a heart beat. But we all know that won't happen.

[willem]

D block are you kidding me Brandon Marshal what you want this team to become the bengalls??
The First thing he wants from his new team is a big fat contract, that wont go down that well with bryant and ruud I guess.

Brandon Marshall = Locker Room Cancer

[Jack]

Steelers are desperate for an experienced back up. Charlie Batch is awful and may get cut if they can pick up another QB. Why not send Leftwich back to the Steelers, hopefully for a fourth or a fifth round pick, and why not Bucs try to pick up the "consolation prize" of the Cleveland Browns QB derby for the same pick - essentially Leftwich for either Quinn or Anderson?

[Randy C]

If the Bucs were shopping their QB's it is not to aquire another QB IMHO. Needs at LB and DB are significant. Freeman is our future at QB, nodoubt about it.

[The..Bucs...win]

Here it is...Mccwn the starter...Freeman the back up and JJ the 3rd string.

Now as for Caddy...I have met him. He comes into the bowling lanes during my Tuesday night league. He is polite and he's not shy to talk to ya if your not just straight up an idiot. He is a true feel good story.

I blew out both my knees(acl) HAD 3 SURGERIES and never got a true chance to play baseball because of these injuries. If this guy can come back and play PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL...then this man deserves every snap!

I know we have graham and ward....but this kid is special in a lot of ways and we will have our own EARTH, WIND, and FIRE!!!

GO BUCS

[D Block]

Hey Willem no need to worry it won't happen. But one thing for sure is this if the bucs did trade for Marshall i gurantee they finish in the top 10 in offense and more nationally televised games easy. Antonio Marshall & Clayton in the slot would be a glorified show. Is he a bit of a destraction yes but i can say it don't matter at this point wether we keep him or not. I really don't care but i do feel you on that one Willem

[notsosmart]

Aw' c'mon you guys, you know why they are gonna let Cadillac start tonight. If he does well, he gets traded to some sucker for something better than a 6th round pick and the Buc's take some money off the salary cap.