Agents: Brown, Williams on schedule with rehab

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http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-flspdolphins15pnmar15,0,5384696.story

Agents: Brown, Williams on schedule with rehab

By Harvey Fialkov
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

March 15, 2008

Despite losing their top two running backs to season-ending injuries last season, the Dolphins haven't signed a tailback in free agency and seem confident that both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams will answer the bell on opening day next season.

So do their agents.

"He's started running a while ago, is lifting weights, is in great spirits and on track," Brown's agent Todd E. France said Friday.

"We don't see any obstacles in our way. … He's got the drive to be ready."

Brown was off to a Pro Bowl-caliber start before tearing the ACL of his right knee in game seven against the Patriots in October. He averaged a career-high 5.0 yards per carry and was leading the NFL in total yards with 991 before injuring his knee while attempting to tackle then-Patriots cornerback Randall Gay after he intercepted a pass thrown by Cleo Lemon.

When Williams finally returned from his 18-month suspension for repeatedly violating the league's substance abuse policy last November, he would only get six carries against Pittsburgh before getting stepped on and tearing a chest muscle.

"Ricky has just been cleared for all activities, other than heavy lifting," said Williams' agent Leigh Steinberg. "His exchanges with [Dolphins vice president of football operations] Bill Parcells have all been positive. Knowing Bill's track record, Ricky is encouraged and excited about the coming season.

"You could say he's chomping at the bit."

Williams, 30, is scheduled to make $730,000 in the final year of his contract, while Brown is in the fourth year of his five-year, $34 million rookie deal.

Although the Dolphins' hierarchy refuses to comment on all matters, the rapid recoveries of both Brown and Williams seem to have had a direct impact on the team's free-agent strategy.

Thus far, the Dolphins have not signed a running back with any of their recent 11 free-agent additions, while allowing Brown's primary backup, Jesse Chatman, sign with the Jets last week.

They've also shown no interest in retaining free-agent running back Samkon Gado, who had 35 carries for 104 yards in two starts last season. The Dolphins did tender exclusive rights free agent running back Patrick Cobbs, who had 15 carries for 47 yards, in parts of five games last season.

All signs point to the Dolphins not using any of their first three draft picks on high-profile running backs such as Arkansas' Darren McFadden or Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall.

Parcells has a history of drafting talented running backs in later rounds, such as Marion Barber (fifth round), Curtis Martin (third) and Dave Meggett (fifth).