Posted at 6:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 3, 2007
NFL: Bucs' Williams, Petitgout out for rest of season
Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS — Tampa Bay running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams and left tackle Luke Petitgout were placed on injured reserve today, officially ending their season.Coach Jon Gruden made the announcement during a conference call.
"Obviously, it's a tough blow," he said.
The moves were expected after Williams was carted from the field last Sunday. Williams right leg was caught awkwardly underneath his body when Carolina safety Chris Harris tackled him at the end of an 18-yard run and hurt his right knee.
Petitgout limped off in the second quarter of last Sunday's game after defensive tackle Kris Jenkins fell into his right leg at the line.
That means the NFC South leading Buccaneers will face the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts this week without their top runner. The Bucs (3-1) are expected to replace Williams by using the combination of Michael Pittman and Earnest Graham.
Gruden said Petitgout will be replaced by second-year tackle Donald Penn, who will get the assignment of blocking three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Dwight Freeney this week.
"He will have his hands full, for sure," Gruden said of Penn.
