NFL reinstates Williams
Ricky Williams’ suspension ended after more than 18 months when he was reinstated Wednesday by the NFL, and the winless Miami Dolphins might welcome him back.
The 2002 league rushing champion was scheduled to fly to South Florida for a physical today and meet with coach Cam Cameron, said Williams’ agent, Leigh Steinberg.
The first-year Miami coach said he talked with Williams by phone for “five or six minutes” Wednesday, but hadn’t made a decision about activating him.
•Quarterback John Beck will make his NFL debut when he starts Sunday for Miami at Philadelphia, replacing Cleo Lemon.
Grossman back as starter
Rex Grossman has his job back as the Chicago Bears’ starting quarterback, at least for one week. He’ll replace the injured Brian Griese in Sunday’s game in Seattle.
Bears coach Lovie Smith made the announcement. Griese’s injury wasn’t the only consideration.
“Everything is based on one basic thing: Who gives us the best chance to win this week? You take injuries, you take performance, you take everything into play,” Smith said.
Smith admits to arm ache
Alex Smith’s arm ached every time he heard he wasn’t injured over the past three weeks, so the San Francisco 49ers’ much-criticized quarterback finally decided to acknowledge his pain.
Smith admitted that his recently separated right shoulder and a chronically strained forearm have contributed to his awful play in the past three games of the 49ers’ seven-game losing streak.
•San Francisco nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin will miss the next four weeks with a strained right calf.
Falcons lean on Leftwich
Even though Joey Harrington led Atlanta to two straight victories, Byron Leftwich remains the No. 1 quarterback for the Falcons.
Coach Bobby Petrino said Leftwich will reclaim the starting spot as soon as he’s healthy.
Colts’ Freeney out
Dwight Freeney’s season is over, and now Simeon Rice has a chance to start anew in Indianapolis.
Freeney was placed on injured reserve by the Colts. He’s scheduled to undergo surgery later this week or early next week on his injured left foot. Rice will replace Freeney.
Around the league
Buffalo coach Dick Jauron all but ruled out running back Marshawn Lynch from playing after the rookie missed practice because of a severely sprained left ankle. Cornerback Kiwaukee Thomas and tight end Matt Murphy will miss the rest of the season … Oakland quarterback Daunte Culpepper will move back into the starting role replacing Josh McCown, who is out with a thigh injury. … Quarterback Kyle Boller is again in charge of running Baltimore’s offense, with Steve McNair nursing an injured left shoulder and out for two or three weeks. … Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard practiced with the first-team offense, the latest step in his return to the starting lineup. … Pro Bowl middle linebacker Antonio Pierce missed the New York Giants’ practice because of a mild concussion. … Washington Redskins receiver Brandon Lloyd broke his collarbone and will be sidelined at least six weeks. … Pittsburgh Steelers starting free safety Ryan Clark (spleen) and tight end Jerame Tuman (back) were placed on injured reserve.