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Saints' Williams Still Doubtful

New Orleans running back Ricky Williams is doubtful for the Saints' second playoff game Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings.

Williams broke a bone in his ankle on Nov. 12 against the Carolina Panthers and has not played since.

Coach Jim Haslett had hoped Williams might be available for the playoffs, but said on Monday he was not optimistic for Saturday's game.

"He's had a boot on for the last three days," Haslett said.

Williams tried to practice last week, but was having pain and tendinitis in the ankle.

"Ricky is doing exactly what he's been doing for a month," Haslett said. "He might run scout team Tuesday. It's a day-to-day thing."

Another big blow to the Saints running game has been the loss of fullback Terrell Smith, who missed the final two regular season games and last weekend's playoff game with bulging discs in his back.

Although the Saints have not had a 100-yard rusher since Williams went down, the running game remained productive under what Haslett called his running game by committee, until Smith went out.

©2001 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

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