Cadillac Williams is recovering from his second torn patellar tendon in as many seasons but unlike last year, when he tore the patellar tendon in his left knee, the tendon did not rupture. Instead, it tore away from the bone, making the prognosis for a full recovery much shorter. There’s a chance Williams might be cleared to practice sometime in the preseason, but most likely he will begin the year again on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
General Manager Mark Dominik indicated the team has no interest in signing former Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress at this time. The Bucs are looking for receviers to back up starters Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton.
“We’re going to let Brian Clark, Maurice Stovall and even Dexter Jackson compete and go from there,” Dominik said.
Dominik said he expects linebacker Barrett Ruud to report on time. Dominik maintained his policy of not publicly discussing negotiations. Ruud did attend the team’s mandatory minicamp.
“You saw some little things (he missed), but his instincts took over,” Dominik said of Ruud. “Barrett is a very smart football player. He can pick it up on a chalkboard. A lot of players have to do it on the field. His coaches did a nice job of keeping him up to date with what we were doing.”
Josh Freeman will not be the starting quarterback this season, not right away at least.
“The ultimate goal is to let Josh Freeman sit back and learn,” Dominik said Saturday.
A few weeks ago quarterbacks coach Greg Olson suggested that at his current pace, Freeman might begin the season as the Bucs’ starting quarterback. Dominik hasn’t completely ruled it out, but it’s clear the plan is not to rush Freeman into the huddle.
“I still think he’s a 21-year-old quarterback who came out as a true junior,” Dominik said of Freeman. “You’d like for him to grow and mature into his role and not be forced into it.”
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