Updated: Oct. 12, 2005, 8:31 PM ET Williams practices, ready to share carries SundayAssociated Press
DAVIE, Fla. -- Nick Saban smiled Wednesday when he walked into an interview room and saw it filled with reporters and cameramen.
"Wow," the Miami Dolphins coach said. "What's the occasion? Like I don't know."
Ricky Williams' first regular-season practice since 2003 drew a media horde. Coming back from a one-year retirement and four-game suspension at the start of this season for violating the NFL drug policy, Williams took some hits from the defense, and his conditioning seemed good, Saban said.
Williams will play Sunday at Tampa Bay, sharing carries with rookie Ronnie Brown. They'll line up together in the backfield at times.
"It's going to be great," quarterback Gus Frerotte said. "We're getting a fresh set of legs coming in. Ricky is ready to run, ready to play. He's anxious and excited, although you couldn't tell if you talked to him."
The notoriously shy Williams has declined interview requests until after he plays a game, but teammates said they're glad to have him back.
That includes Brown, the second overall pick in the April draft. He has rushed for 229 yards the past two games but said he's happy to share playing time with the 2002 NFL rushing champion.
"I'm excited," Brown said. "It gives me an opportunity to be as fresh at the end of the game as I am when I start. I think that's a pretty good thing."
With Brown and Williams, Saban said he considers running back a two-starter position for the Tampa Bay game.
"We are going to start both guys, so you can't ask me which one is starting," Saban said with a smile. "I might change my mind between now and then, but I am just telling you that we are starting both. One might play center and one might play tight end or wideout, but we are starting them both."
Oct-11-2005 16:54 Ricky, Brown to be on field at same time BY JASON COLE, Miami Herald
"Dolphins coach Nick Saban used the word 'split' when referring to the way Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams will be used beginning with Sunday's game at Tampa Bay."
