Williams’ troubles favor Chatman

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. –Once again, Jesse Chatman stands to gain from suspended Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams’ off-field problems.

A source said Saturday that the Dolphins aren’t expected to pursue signing a replacement running back even with Williams reportedly being prevented from applying for NFL reinstatement until September following a fifth failed drug test.

The Dolphins’ decision stems from a lack of interest in the free-agent talent currently available – a declining Corey Dillon and an injury-prone Chris Brown are the biggest names still on the market – and the belief rookie Lorenzo Booker and Chatman can handle backup duties behind starter Ronnie Brown.

As a third-round draft choice from Florida State, Booker is receiving plenty of media attention. Chatman, who played at Eastern Washington, has remained as anonymous as in 2005 when spending time with the Dolphins while Williams served another drug suspension.

Playing in 2004 under then-San Diego offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, Chatman averaged 6.0 yards on 65 carries and scored three touchdowns while serving as LaDainian Tomlinson’s backup. But Chatman fell out of shape during the 2005 offseason and was waived before the start of training camp when Chargers management projected Michael Turner as being a capable replacement.

Chatman was then signed by the Dolphins but declared inactive for four games before being traded to New Orleans when Williams was reinstated. An overweight Chatman was waived by the Saints shortly thereafter and remained out of football until being re-signed by the Dolphins as a free agent in February after Cameron became coach.

During an April interview, the 5-foot-8 Chatman said he has lost 40 pounds and is now listed by the Dolphins at 223 pounds. Such hard work already is paying dividends, as Chatman showed flashes of his Chargers-era form in the team’s first two minicamps.

“I had to discipline myself, and being out of the league for a year will do it for you, too,” said Chatman, who signed with the Chargers as an undrafted college free agent in 2002. “I rededicated my life to this game. I’ve got to take care of my body.”