Dolphins’ ‘Ghost’ ready to gallop back onto field

DAVIE, Fla. – Miami Dolphins general manager Randy Mueller recently referred to suspended running back Ricky Williams as Casper the Ghost because under league rules he hasn’t been allowed to practice with the team for the past 31/2 weeks.

Williams, who has diligently been working out by himself, also is prohibited to talk to the media until his four-game suspension expires on Monday, when he can begin preparation for his return to the field Oct. 16 against Tampa Bay.

“We all come in (after practice) and he leaves. That’s kind of crazy,” said right guard Rex Hadnot.

“He’s not invisible, but it’s like he’s on the night schedule and we’re on the day schedule.”

Dolphins coach Nick Saban, who would prefer that his team focus on the Bills and not Williams’ imminent return, recounted his daily conversations with the former Pro Bowler.

“Every time I ask him how he’s doing, he says, ‘Good.’ And I say, ‘What’s up dog?’ and he says nothing,” Saban said with a smile.

” ‘Do you feel like you are in just as good as shape as you were before?’ He says, ‘I feel OK.’ I say, ‘Do you get tired quicker?’ (And he says,) ‘Not really.’ “

“So what judgment am I supposed to make out of that? … Now when he gets back on the field next week, we will be able to see where he is and take it from (there).”

Most of Williams’ teammates have treated him as if he were an injured player working his way back into playing shape.

“I know he misses Sunday because this work is no fun without a reward on Sunday,” said fullback Heath Evans.

“When you know you’re getting back a player of his caliber you know you’re getting ready to get better, and that’s exciting.”

Rookie tailback Ronnie Brown is excited about the prospect of teaming with Williams in the backfield, an alignment that Saban toyed with in the preseason.

“It’s something to look forward to, two guys in the backfield that could really change the pace of the game,” Brown said.