Buccaneers activate RB Williams

Nov 12, 2008 - 3:20 PM TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday activated running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams from the physically unable to perform list.

It was one of a flurry of moves made by the Buccaneers, who released running back Michael Bennett and placed wide receiver Maurice Stovall on season-ending injured reserve. The team also promoted wide receiver Brian Clark to the active roster from the practice squad.

Williams has not played since tearing the patellar tendon in his right knee on September 30, 2007.

The fifth overall pick in the 2005 draft, Williams was named the league's Offensive Rookie of the Year after rushing for 1,178 yards and six touchdowns.

But Williams' production dwindled over the next two seasons, even though he did not miss in a game in his four-year career prior to the injury a year ago. He failed to reach 800 yards rushing in 2006 and did not surpass more than 61 yards in a game in 2007 before suffering his season-ending injury in Week Four.

Still, his return comes at a critical time for Tampa Bay, which may be without starting running back Earnest Graham for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings due to a new injury.

Bucs coach Jon Gruden clearly was excited at seeing Williams on the practice field.

"It's almost like Christmas is here. Christmas is Wednesday, I hope," Jon Gruden said. "We'll see how he feels and talk to the trainers, the medical people. If my eyes don't deceive me, I think he's got a chance to be a player this year for our team, and that would be exciting."

Bennett was acquired by the Buccaneers in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs in October 2007. He appeared in 13 games, including one start, as a Buccaneer, rushing for 201 yards and a touchdown on 48 carries.

This is Clark's second appearance on the Buccaneers' active roster this season. He played in three games and has one reception for 12 yards.

Stovall played in five games this season, making three receptions for 25 yards.