No more Ro: Raiders TE Williams put on IR
NFL.com wire reports
ALAMEDA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2003) -- The Oakland Raiders placed starting tight end Roland Williams on injured reserve, ending his hopes of returning Sunday for the AFC Championship Game.
The Raiders signed running back Madre Hill from the practice squad to take Williams' spot on the 53-man roster. By placing Williams on injured reserve, he is done for the season and would not be available for the Super Bowl if Oakland advances.
Williams has a torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee, along with a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament and some meniscus damage.
The 6-foot, 5-inch, 265-pound Williams also has turf toe on his left foot and torn ligaments in a toe on the same foot that will require surgery after the season.
He said this week he was working to convince the coaching staff he was healthy enough to play.
Williams participated in limited agility drills in practice, but no running. He underwent treatment and was listed as doubtful for the conference title game against the Tennessee Titans.
Williams was hurt on the Raiders' final drive midway through the fourth quarter of a 24-0 win over Kansas City on Dec. 28.
He has been a key blocker this season and has 27 catches for 213 yards and no touchdowns.
Williams has been wearing a protective brace and undergoing treatment up to three times a day. He has regained some mobility in his knee and is able to do limited strength work.
The knee might require offseason surgery.
AI
