Ricky Williams' 2007 Season Lasted Six Carries

Ricky Williams' 2007 season is over before it could even begin. The Miami Dolphins running back, who was reinstated last month after a one-year suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, suffered a torn chest muscle in the Dolphins' 3-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night football. The injury apparently happened when Steelers linebacker Laurence Timmons pursuing a Williams' fumble, stepped on Williams' right shoulder blade. It was a terribly unfortunate, cheap hit that shouldn't have happened. One of those hits where you just happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. After all the hard work, time, and effort Williams put into his training to get physically back in shape its ashame his season had to end so abruptly.

Ricky Williams Activated Against the Steelers

In need of running back help because of an ankle injury to Jesse Chatman, the Dolphins activated halfback Ricky Williams from the league's exempt list. Williams is returning to the NFL after 18 months. He served a drug suspension that was extended from May until two weeks ago on the recommendation of the league's drug counselor. This summer, Williams moved to Boston and spent time with drug counselors reviewing his life and past habits.

It is not known whether he will be on the active roster for tonight's game against the Steelers, but it is likely. Williams had a great week of practice and players on the team remarked how well he did and how much of an asset he could be for this game.

The question is will Ricky Williams be the difference maker for this struggling Dolphins team against that tough Steelers' run defense? Probably not. However, he will take the pressure off Beck and he most likely will participate in a bunch of plays to gain lost experience back. The next question is when Ronnie Brown returns next year, will him and Williams split time like Holmes and Johnson tried to do or will one of them go off to another team to be in the spotlight?

News Concering the Winless Dolphins

I don't know why I'm wasting my time writing about the Dolphins, but to be fair I should address a couple of developing stories surrounding this team.

First, rookie QB John Beck is going to make his first appearance on Sunday. He will make his NFL debut when he starts Sunday at Philadelphia, replacing Cleo Lemon. Beck, a second-round draft pick from BYU, will become the 12th quarterback to start for the Dolphins since Dan Marino retired following the 1999 season. He'll be the third starter at QB this season for winless Miami, following Trent Green and Cleo Lemon. This is a GOOD move for the Dolphins. Being that nothing has worked so far and their season can't be saved, now is the time to experiment and try out new players who will be substantial enough to provide hope for next season.

Speaking of providing hope, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has reinstated the Dolphins running back Ricky Williams after a suspension that lasted 18 months because of Williams' violation of the league's substance abuse policy. Williams can attend team meetings and practice immediately, but won't be eligible to play until Week 12 when the Dolphins play at Pittsburgh on Monday night, Nov. 26. The 30-year-old running back, who has played in only 12 games since the start of the 2004 season, played in the Canadian Football League last season and applied for reinstatement to the NFL on Oct. 1. He tested positive again for marijuana in April, delaying his reinstatement through the first half of this season. This is a BAD move for the Dolphins. He tested positive for marijuana twice. If he didn't learn his lesson the first time, what makes the Dolphins think he won't get himself expelled again. Also, he will mess up the team chemistry and when Ronnie Brown comes back, then their will be trouble.