TAMPA – Don’t pencil Cadillac Williams into your lineup just yet, fantasy football fans. Williams status for this week’s game remains questionable, but not because of any health-related problems.
Because of the loss of players such as Geno Hayes, Alex Smith and Jermaine Phillips, the Bucs are hurting almost as much for special teams contributors as they are for running backs.
Hayes and Smith were regular contributors on special teams and Phillips allowed Sabby Piscitelli to work there. With those three ailing the Bucs may need to dress a special teams contributor ahead of Williams.
“It’s not just about Cadillac,’’ Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. “It’s about our team. That fourth and fifth receiver, that extra back – you have to be able to play special teams.’’
The Bucs signed former Green Bay running back Noah Herron on Wednesday primarily because he can contribute on special teams. Another special teams candidate is fullback B.J. Askew.
Askew, who returned from a two-month absence due to a torn hamstring, could also fill the need for a special teams contributor, but the Bucs have reason to hesitate before using Askew on special teams.
It was during a special teams play that Askew was hurt. Gruden said Wednesday, though, that based on what he saw of Askew in practice he believes he’ll be able to use him on special teams on Sunday.
That would open the door for Williams to return, but Gruden had to admit Wednesday that a decision on whether to dress Williams for this week’s game is still to be made.
“I don’t know that he’ll play a major role in this game or not, or even if he’ll be active,’’ Gruden said of Williams. “I can’t be any more specific that I have been.
“We’re just trying to do exactly what we think is the right thing to do. That involves a lot of people’s opinions – the trainers, Cadillac, everybody’s included in this. I’m just thing to go with the flow.’’
