Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins / Image: Zuma Press

The injury is by no means career threatening, but it is severe enough to sideline Ronnie for a couple months, thus ending his 2009 season. Sadly, he was on a pace (648 yards after nine games) to set a career high for rushing yardage, much as he was in 2007 (602 yards after just seven games) before his season also ended early with a knee injury.

With Ronnie out, it drastically affects Miami’s offensive scheme. And if the team plans to continue with the Wildcat, it certainly means more playing time for slasher Pat White and running back Ricky Williams.

Source: MiamiDolphins.com

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Ronnie Brown Fractures Foot, Season Over

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

After his tumultuous past, I never thought I’d see this day. But so happy are the Miami Dolphins with running back Ricky Williams, they signed him to a one-year contract extension through the 2009-10 season yesterday. Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland said the team wanted to extend Ricky’s deal so he didn’t become a free agent after this season:

“I wasn’t here in the past so I don’t really know if he had a lack of dedication in the past. I mean, I know what I read and I know what circulates in NFL circles. But when we sat down coming here, we said, ‘We’re going to give this guy every benefit of the doubt. And he’s got to show us that he is dedicated.’ And he’s done everything that we’ve asked him to do. And we feel very good about our decision to extend him.”

With RB Ronnie Brown still on the mend from a torn ligament in his right knee, Ricky’s the number one running back on this team (according to the team’s depth chart) with something to prove. And I believe he’s up to the challenge. Ronnie will need sufficient time to heal and Ricky’s recent good play will allow Ronnie to return at a somewhat slower pace. For the preseason, Ricky tied for the team lead in rushing with 29 carries for 123 yards and one touchdown and had two catches for eight yards. But even with a recent thumb injury, Ronnie is not backing down. He had 12 carries for 47 yards and one touchdown against the Saints in last week’s final preseason game. Ricky Williams or Ronnie Brown? Right now it’s all good news for the Dolphins.

Sources: MiamiDolphins.com, Yahoo! Sports, Photo: Newscom

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Ricky Williams Gets Contract Extension

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

Miami Dolphins RB Ricky Williams is doing everything he can to make sure his ongoing NFL comeback is a successful one. After playing in just 13 games the past three seasons, Ricky has yet to miss a workout during 11 weeks of a strictly regimented offseason program. And to hear him talk makes me wonder if this is the same Ricky Williams that smoked pot and acted “weird” while seemingly throwing away his National Football League career:

“This is the hardest I’ve worked. Coach Saban worked us pretty hard, but I think this new regime is making every single person on the field prove themselves. Not just prove they can play football, but prove they are going to lay it on the line on a consistent basis.”

Ricky also spoke about preparing himself for life after football and being a responsible man — going back to school, getting a “real” job and taking proper care of his kids. This sounds like a new and improved Ricky Williams. I don’t claim to know what he’s been through. I’m also not trying to make any excuses for him. But I do believe he deserves this opportunity and I’m glad he’s making the most of it.

Source: Miami Herald, Photo: Newscom

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Ricky Williams Working Hard on Comeback

It took Ricky Williams almost two years to get back into the NFL and in one-fell-swoop he’s out for the season. Against the Pittsburgh Steelers on MNF, Ricky gained 15 yards on six carries before tearing a chest muscle and leaving the game. I can’t say it was a bad idea for Ricky to be in this game. Then again, under the ridiculous conditions, it probably was a bad idea to have anyone in this game. In Ricky’s case, though, not having had any contact for such a long time, there was no telling what was going to happen. It’s unfortunate because he won’t get a chance to “audition” for the Dolphins or any other team, so his saga will roll into 2008 with a lot of questions still unanswered.

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Ricky Williams’ Return Cut Short, Miami Dolphins RB Ends Season With Chest Injury

Ricky Williams‘ one-and-a-half year suspension ended today as he was reinstated to play in the National Football League. Now the question is who will want him on their team having only played in 12 games since the start of the 2004 season? He’s the “property” of the Miami Dolphins as he begins a comeback from multiple violations of the league’s drug policy. And at 0-9, I can’t imagine why the Dolphins wouldn’t give him a try. Even with franchise RB Ronnie Brown on the shelf for the rest of the season, the Dolphins have an exceptional back in Jesse Chatman. But I think this is a perfect time for Miami to see what, if anything, Ricky still has left in his tank — how much tread is left on his tires, so-to-speak, running alongside Jesse on a part-time basis. The Dolphins can run the football. They’re currently 11th in the NFL in rushing ypg, so I think this is a good opportunity to do some evaluating. And for Ricky Williams, it’s a chance to prove himself to not only the Dolphins, but the entire NFL. He is scheduled to fly to South Florida tomorrow for a physical and to meet with Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron.

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Ricky Williams Reinstated by NFL

“Due to the recent reports about me failing a drug test, I feel it is appropriate for me to issue this statement. Last month, following a psychological evaluation requested by the NFL, we — the psychiatrist and I — came to the realization that there were a few things I needed to iron out about myself in order to make my return to the NFL as successful as possible. I am an honest, God-fearing man who is intensely dedicated to being the best person I can be on and off the football field. There is no need to smear my name or to defame my character for the sake of news. When the time is right, God willing, I will be back on the field scoring touchdowns for whatever team is fortunate enough to believe in me.”

I can’t actually determine that he’s not admitting to anything here, but the word is that he did, in fact, fail a drug test last month and clinicians in the NFL’s substance abuse program advised Commissioner Goodell to delay reinstatement until September which would force Ricky to miss an entire training camp with a proposed new team. This is a tough break because he really needs to be in training camp with his new team (if a team takes a chance on him), but hopefully it’s only a minor setback on — finally — the road to complete recovery for Ricky Williams.

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Ricky Williams Issues Statement

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Ricky Williams Begins Return to NFL