Buccaneers RB Williams injures knee

Dec 29, 2008 - 4:04 AM TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) -- More than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' playoff hopes were crushed on Sunday.

Running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams appeared to suffer a severe left knee injury in Sunday's 31-24 loss to the Oakland Raiders.

Enjoying his best performance since the 2006 season, Williams was injured after breaking off a 28-yard run with nine minutes to play.

The injury comes 15 months after Williams tore the patellar tendon in his right knee on September 30, 2007. He did not return to action until November 23 this season.

"Cadillac Williams - I think that scene didn't help us at all," Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden said. "That was a very emotional downer on our sideline. It's the other knee, not same knee. That's the real tragedy today."

Williams had rushed for 78 yards and two touchdowns and caught five passes for 37 yards. It was his highest rushing output since November 23, 2006.

"He scored a couple touchdowns, caught the ball out of backfield, showed elusiveness and swagger again," Gruden said. "For it to all end like that, it's just awful. It's probably the most sickening feeling I've ever had as a coach. Playing his best football arguably since his rookie season and to have it come down to this. I can't do anything but shed tears right now. It's heartbreaking."

Tampa Bay, which lost its final four games, already had lost Earnest Graham to season-ending injured reserve last month.

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.