Cadillac Williams completed one of the toughest comebacks in the NFL last season when he returned from a torn right patella tendon. Just when he was looking like himself again, he tore the left patella tendon.
His recovery is going even better this time.
According to the St. Petersburg Times, Williams is “well ahead of pace” compared to where he was a year ago. It turns out this tear wasn’t as severe as the previous one.
Williams has been running for months, although he’s still expected to start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
The bigger question is whether Williams will start the regular season on PUP. That would require him to miss the first six weeks. (Williams made his debut in Week Twelve last year.)
It’s possible the Bucs could keep Williams on PUP to start the year, if only to give keep their options
A healthy Williams isn’t necessarily going to have a big role. Derrick Ward was signed for starter’s money in the offseason, and Earnest Graham will share the workload. open.
Returning from two patella tendon tears is virtually unprecedented. (Former Browns corner Gary Baxter came close, but never made it back.)
It would be impressive if Williams makes it back on an NFL field, no matter when or what role he’s in.