Bucs get help

RB Williams back on field

Tampa Bay's Carnell "Cadillac" Williams took a big first step by returning to practice yesterday.

The Buccaneers hope the next one for the fourth-year tailback, returning from a career-threatening knee injury that's sidelined him more than 13 months, is reverting to running the ball like his old self.

"We're trying to simulate as much real football activity as we can, and he's responding tremendously," coach Jon Gruden said after Williams participated in his first practice since being activated from the physically unable to perform list.

The 2005 Offensive Rookie of the Year's return comes at a good time for the Bucs (6-3), because leading rushers Earnest Graham (knee) and Warrick Dunn (back) are nursing injuries.

To make room on the 53-man roster, former 1,000-yard rusher Michael Bennett was released, ending a yearlong stay with the Bucs that began after Williams and Michael Pittman were injured last season.

Bennett signed later yesterday with the Chargers.

Bell rejoins Broncos

After losing all five of their tailbacks, four for the rest of the season, the Denver Broncos brought back Tatum Bell, 2 1/2 months after his release by the Lions. Bell had one forgettable season in Detroit, rushing 44 times for 182 yards. Bell was drafted by the Broncos in 2004 and spent three seasons with them before being traded to Detroit in 2007 . . . Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (pinkie) will return Sunday night against the Washington Redskins, trying to right faltering Dallas, which has lost four of five, including two of three while Romo was sidelined . . . Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (back) returned to practice with the starting offense for first time in six weeks, and he was scheduled to see a team doctor to get cleared to start Sunday against Arizona. Receiver Deion Branch (bruised heel) also practiced with the starting offense and could return Sunday . . . Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jackson has filed suit against the manufacturer of StarCaps, an over-the-counter weight-loss pill, to clear his name and avoid being suspended four games for a positive doping test. The lineman is among six to eight players who reportedly tested positive for the diuretic Bumetanide, which is considered a masking agent for steroids by the NFL. In court filings, Jackson acknowledged that he received a four-game suspension from the NFL but is appealing. No hearing date has been set.

Ticket prices to fall

The average ticket price for playoff games this season will decrease by approximately 10 percent from last season. Citing economic challenges facing fans as the reason for the reduction, the NFL confirmed the lower prices. But the specific leaguewide average playoff ticket price cannot be determined until the home playoff sites are decided; prices vary from market to market depending on costs for regular-season tickets . . . Bills safety Donte Whitner returned to practice 10 days after separating his right shoulder and hopes to play against the Browns Monday night . . . The Chiefs signed defensive end Jason Babin and expect him to play Sunday against the Saints . . . The Detroit Lions cut quarterback Drew Henson, parting ways with the former Michigan quarterback and New York Yankees prospect.