Williams applies for reinstatement
Suspended running back Ricky Williams applied for NFL reinstatement Monday, his agent said.
“Ricky is extremely excited about the prospect of playing in the NFL again and hopeful for a positive response,” agent Leigh Steinberg said.
Williams has played in only 12 NFL games since the start of the 2004 season, but rushed for 3,225 yards in 2002-03. His current suspension began in April 2006 after he violated the league’s drug policy for the fourth time. He tested positive for marijuana this April, again delaying his return.
Williams remains under contract with Miami, where he won the NFL rushing title in 2002. But new coach Cam Cameron has not indicated whether he wants Williams to stay with the Dolphins, who fell to 0-4 Sunday.
“That’s ultimately their decision,” Steinberg said. “We’ve had no contact with them.”
Cameron said he would comment “if and when” Williams is reinstated.
Bears cut ties with Ayanbadejo
The Chicago Bears terminated Obafemi Ayanbadejo’s contract, cutting ties with the fullback who had just completed a four-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.
Ayanbadejo insisted when the NFL suspended him in August that he did not take steroids, did not knowingly “infringe on the rules of the NFL performance-enhancing drug policy,” and that he had passed “60-plus drug tests and never failed one.”
Around the league
Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith announced quarterback Brian Griese will start at Green Bay on Sunday. … Wide receiver Keenan McCardell signed with the Washington Redskins. … Tampa Bay running back Carnell “Cadillac” Williams and tackle Luke Petitgout will miss the rest of the season with knee injuries. … San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith will miss Sunday’s game against Baltimore, but won’t need surgery on his separated right shoulder. Though similar injuries sometimes require two to three months of recovery, head coach Mike Nolan expressed hope Smith might return by Oct. 21. … The Colts could be without Marvin Harrison (bruised left knee), Bob Sanders (ribs) and Joseph Addai (right shoulder) when they host Tampa Bay. Linebacker Rob Morris (sprained left knee) and No. 2 tight end Ben Utecht (concussion) could also be sidelined. … Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin was scheduled to see a doctor about his hip injury. … Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry had an MRI on his knee and ankle after being injured at Indianapolis. His status won’t be known until later this week. … Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis was limited in practice despite a full week to rest after a bye because of concern over his persistently ailing knee. … The Seattle Seahawks lost Alvin Pearman, who was emerging as a valuable special teams player, for the season after he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.