Ricky Ready For Saints Opener

September 1, 1999 / 8:59 PM EDT / CBS/AP

New Orleans rookie running back Ricky Williams, sidelined with an ankle injury since the first preseason game, has been cleared to play in the season opener.

Williams, injured after just nine carries in the Saints first exhibition game of the year, was given the go-ahead to play in the Sept. 12 opener against the Carolina Panthers, Saints trainer Dean Kleinschmidt said.

A second MRI of Williams injury, a high ankle strain, cleared the former Heisman Trophy winner to return to the field.

"The repeat MRI on Ricky Williams showed exactly what we expected," Kleinschmidt said. "It shows that the ankle is stable and that there is no widening of the ankle mortise joint and that it is in the process of healing."

The team expected Williams to return for the opener all along, and had repeatedly denied reports that he would miss the first two games of the year.

Williams will sit out the final preseason game against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night. He has not practiced or played since Aug. 13, but began limited drills on the injured ankle this week, under the supervision of Saints trainers.

There will be no problem putting the injury behind him, Williams said.

"It's not that big of a deal," Williams said Wednesday. "You just go along, go along, start playing and you play. It's not like it's traumatized me or anything to not be ready. It's just a progression and when I'm ready, I'll be on the field."

Williams said he had numerous injuries while playing in college at Texas, including a similar ankle sprain.

"It was worse, but it was on the other ankle," Williams said.

Although he won't have taken a hit in a month by the time he plays again, Williams doesn't anticipate any problems.

"It's only been a couple of weeks," he said. "I don't think you lose it that fast."