Expectations don’t concern Williams
Ricky Williams has been back on the Miami Dolphins’ practice field for a week, and the former Pro Bowl running back isn’t concerned with trying to reclaim his old form after a year away from the game.
“I don’t expect to get back to where I was a few years ago,” said Williams, who returned to the NFL after walking away a week before the start of the 2004 training camp.
“As you go through life, the key is to step forward and never to look back or get back to where you were. I am just trying to move forward and not go backwards.”
Williams will be back on the field Monday night, when the Dolphins face Chicago in the Hall of Fame game.
The depth chart for the game lists Williams fourth behind Lamar Gordon, Sammy Morris and Travis Minor. Coach Nick Saban said at the start of camp that Williams would have to work his way up.
For his part, Williams isn’t concerned with his standing on the team, nor is he concerned with expectations.
“When you talk about expectations, it is really just your imagination telling you what you want,” Williams said. “If you put your attention to the present moment and work hard today, then tomorrow will be there for you.”
Williams is facing a four-game suspension at the start of the regular season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
McDougle leaves hospital
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jerome McDougle was discharged from a South Florida hospital, and police said three teenagers were arrested in connection with his shooting.
McDougle, 27, was shot late Thursday after three armed robbers approached him while he was sitting in his silver Mercedes in southwest Miami. McDougle, who played at the University of Miami, had been visiting relatives in South Florida.
He was scheduled to be at the Eagles’ training camp on Monday, the reporting day for veterans.
After five nights in the hospital, McDougle was discharged from Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.
“His prognosis is good,” said Dr. David V. Shatz of Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center, where McDougle was taken after the shooting. “He will recover fully and be able to go back to training in about six weeks.”
Jones signs five-year deal
The Jacksonville Jaguars sure hope it doesn’t take Matt Jones extra time to learn his new position.
After Jones missed the opening of training camp by holding out – he also missed most of minicamp and several summer workouts because of a sprained left hamstring – the former Arkansas quarterback signed a five-year, $8.45 million contract with the Jaguars.
The deal could be worth up to $11.15 million with incentives, and he will make $6.3 million his first year.
The 21st overall pick, Jones is switching to tight end. He finished his Razorbacks career as the Southeastern Conference’s top rushing quarterback, gaining 2,535 yards and scoring 24 touchdowns.
Seymour receives new contract
Defensive lineman Richard Seymour, a three-time Pro Bowl player and key to the Patriots’ defense, reached a new deal with New England. He was entering the fifth year of a six-year, $14.3 million contract he signed as a rookie in 2001.
With the retirement of linebacker Ted Johnson and with Tedy Bruschi sitting out the season after suffering a stroke, getting Seymour in camp was essential.
“You’re getting a Pro Bowl player, a consistent player since Day 1,” linebacker Mike Vrabel said. “The guy came in, he was a professional the day he got drafted, and that’s what Hall of Fame-type players do. They do that for 10 or 12 years.”
Redskins’ top two picks sign
Defensive back Carlos Rogers, the No. 9 overall pick in the draft, agreed to a five-year, $17.45 million deal with Washington, just as No. 25 overall selection Jason Campbell reported to camp and signed a five-year, $7.5 million contract. They helped Auburn to a 13-0 record last season.