Ricky Williams has been reinstated by the NFL and can now join the Dolphins immediately, although he wouldn’t be able to play until Monday November 26, when Miami takes on the Steelers. It’s unclear, however, if Cam Cameron and the Dolphins even want him back.
Brown is on injured reserve, leaving the Dolphins short on running backs. But they may decide to keep Williams inactive the rest of the season and then try to trade him.
In May, when discussing Williams’ most recent relapse, Cameron said it’s difficult to salvage the careers of troubled players.
“The easiest predictor of future behavior is previous behavior,” the coach said.
Dolphins general manager Randy Mueller is unlikely to lobby for Williams’ return. It was Mueller who traded Williams to Miami when both were with the Saints.
The article brings up a good point in that Mueller may force Cameron’s hand in brining Williams back. It appears by Cameron’s comments that he’s not entirely keen on welcoming Ricky back, but at 0-9, he doesn’t have a lot of leverage either. I doubt that any team would want to trade for him, but then again, maybe Miami is willing to give him up for a seventh rounder and a set of kicking tees. One team to keep an eye on is Tampa. They’re right in the mix of things in the NFC and Jon Gruden seems like the type to take on a personality such as Ricky Williams. They could sure use a running back too, with Cadillac Williams out for the year and Ernest Graham lacking long-term experience.
