Williams wants back into NFL
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 he 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 in April, again delaying his return.
Under the league's substance abuse program, when a player applies for reinstatement the doctors have up to 45 days to submit their report and recommendation to the commissioner. He then has up to 15 days to make a decision. That means the process could take up to 60 days from the day Williams applies to be reinstated.
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."
McCardell signs with 'Skins: Keenan McCardell has signed with the Washington Redskins, adding depth to a team with only one healthy wideout who has caught a pass this year.
McCardell has 861 career catches with Cleveland, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay and San Diego. The two-time Pro Bowl selection was cut by the Chargers after last season and nearly signed with the Redskins in July, but opted instead for Houston because he wanted to play in his hometown. The Texans released him at the end of preseason.
"Retirement didn't cross my mind," McCardell said. "More like 'Get out of the house.' My wife kind of pushed me out of the house. I'm just happy to be back. I just want to come in and add some leadership and make some plays."
McCardell, 37, has a Super Bowl ring from the Redskins. He was chosen by Washington in the 12th round of the 1991 draft and spent his rookie season on the injured reserve list following knee surgery while the Redskins won the NFL title.
Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El are the only Redskins wideouts with a catch after three games.
Injury bug bites Bucs: Tampa Bay running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams and tackle Luke Petitgout will miss the rest of the season with knee injuries sustained Sunday.
Williams hurt his right knee when he was tackled by Carolina safety Chris Harris at the end of an 18-yard run during the first quarter of the 20-7 victory over the Panthers. Petitgout was hurt when defensive tackle Kris Jenkins fell into his right leg in the second quarter.
Williams was the 2005 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and Tampa Bay's leading rusher the past two seasons. Petitgout, a ninth-year pro who spent the first eight seasons of his career with the New York Giants, was signed to stabilize the Bucs' offensive line.
• San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith will miss Sunday's game against Baltimore, but he won't need surgery on his separated right shoulder.
Coach Mike Nolan said the Niners won't set a target return date for Smith until Thursday, after the swelling has subsided in his shoulder.