Gregg Rosenthal penned an ode to Ricky Williams' career on Profootballtalk.com Wednesday, standing in awe of the former laughing-stock's ability to finish out a disjointed career. As Hunter S. Thompson pointed out in the early '70s, "there's not much room for freaks in the National Football League." Once an NFL pariah who drew unfair comparisons to troubled ex-Cowboys loner, original thinker, dope-freak, and flake Duane Thomas, the re-invented Williams' is now threatening Walter Payton and Ottis Anderson for the best season ever enjoyed by an age-32 running back (though, to be fair, the equally eccentric John Riggins was more brilliant at ages 33 and 34).
The old dog learned a new trick in Thursday's 24-17 win over the Panthers, recording a rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game for the first time in his career. With Ronnie Brown done for the season – and the bulk of the Wildcat plays gone with him – the Dolphins offense now runs through Williams in a more conventional workhorse attack. Miami leaned even more heavily on their veteran playmaker in the red zone, and Williams delivered with a 14-yard catch-and-run score, a diving 1-yard pylon strike, and a final 46-yard tackle-breaking scamper that proved to be the game-clincher.
While second-year power back Lex Hilliard provided a spark in relief and Chad Henne came alive in the second half, it's clear that the Dolphins are now the Ricky Williams Show. Among Football Outsiders' and Profootballfocus.com's leaders as the most effective per-touch backs in the league, Williams is now on pace for 1,422 total yards and 16 touchdowns (along with a gaudy 5.3 yards per carry and 10.6 yards per reception) despite splitting carries for the first nine games.
With a favorable schedule down the stretch, Williams has RB1 value the rest of the way – beginning with a Week-12 matchup against a Bills defense that ranks last in virtually every rushing category. The best bargain in August's fantasy drafts may well end up as the Cinderella story playoff MVP this year.
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According to NFL.com's Jason LaCanfora, Cedric Benson (hip) is unlikely to play this week after missing a second straight practice Thursday. LaCanfora's source says Larry Johnson has received plenty of practice reps and could see a "significant role" at Oakland. Skepticism is advised on that front. Coach Marvin Lewis has said repeatedly that LJ is a fourth-stringer, and coordinator Bob Bratkowski plans to get Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard more involved regardless of Benson's condition. Look for Scott and Leonard to slit carries this week, with Scott as a RB2/flex option against a Raiders defense that surrenders the second most fantasy points to points to opposing running backs.
Kyle Orton is making progress with his ankle injury, but he missed practice again Thursday. "We'd love for him to be out there as soon as he can possibly be out there, and very hopeful he's going to play," coach Josh McDaniels said. This situation is headed toward a game-time decision Sunday morning, and the Denver passing attack is in trouble either way.
Meanwhile, the Broncos backfield was thin Thursday, as Correll Buckhalter (knee) and LaMont Jordan (back) both missed practice. Buckhalter was limited Wednesday, so this is a downgrade for him. Knowshon Moreno would have solid RB2 value against an improving Chargers run defense should Buckhalter miss the AFC West tilt.
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Two-Minute Drill: Vikings signed head coach Brad Childress to a contract extension that will lock him up through the 2013 season. … Browns coach Eric Mangini indicated that RB Chris Jennings will continue to see an increased role "if he continues to progress in practice." … Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin will not return kickoffs against the Bears this week. … "All signs are pointing to" Joe Mays starting at middle linebacker for the Eagles this week, with Chris Gocong moving back to SLB and Will Witherspoon staying at WLB. … Redskins LCB Carlos Rogers is expected to get his starting job back after being benched last week. … Saints CB Malcolm Jenkins is expected to make his first NFL start against the Bucs. … Ravens rookie Paul Kruger will make his first NFL start in place of OLB/DE Terrell Suggs. … Bills owner Ralph Wilson downplayed – but did not deny -- a report that the team is interested in meeting with former Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan.
Red Zone: Ronnie Brown has elected to undergo surgery Friday to repair the Lisfranc fracture in his right foot. … Michael Turner (ankle) missed practice Thursday as expected, and coach Mike Smith said there's no timetable for his return. … Ladell Betts will carry the load once again with Clinton Portis (concussion) ruled out at Dallas. … Brandon Marshall (neck, back) returned to a full practice and will start against the Chargers. … Roddy White (knee) returned to a limited practice Thursday and will start against the Giants. … Pierre Garcon (ankle) returned to a full practice and is poised to play against the Ravens. … Laveranues Coles was added to the injury report as limited with a head injury. … Reggie Bush missed a second straight practice with swelling in his surgically repaired knee. … Jerious Norwood (hip) returned to a limited practice for the first time in five weeks. … Sammy Morris (knee) was limited again, but is expected to return to face the Jets. … Kellen Winslow (knee), Antonio Bryant (knee), and Cadillac Williams (knee) were all upgraded to full participation in Thursday's practice. … Todd Heap (ribs) remained on the sidelines for a second straight practice. … Texans TE James Casey (knee surgery) has resumed practicing in full and is poised to take on a significant role in the passing game down the stretch. … Albert Haynesworth (ankle) is expected to be a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Cowboys. … Jags CB Rashean Mathis (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bills. … 49ers LT Joe Staley (knee) is targeting Week 14 for his return while CB Nate Clements (shoulder) plans to return in Week 16.