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In an article published Saturday, Miami Herald staffer Jason Cole advised readers that retired running back Ricky Williams, who claims to have quit smoking marijuana more than a month ago, finally talked to incoming head coach Nick Saban.

Williams also is expected to end his legal battle with the Dolphins about an $8.6 million judgment the team has against him for breach of contract.

Whether that means Williams is considering a comeback remains highly speculative, but as Cole noted, several people close to him believe that might be the case.

Two unnamed sources told Cole that Williams, who continues to take classes at a school for holistic medicine in Northern California, spoke with Saban last week after the coach had tried for more than a month to get in contact with him.

Saban has left the door open to Williams' return since taking over as coach in January, saying he is interested in Williams if the former player has "value" to the team. Whether that value is by way of trade or on-field performance is not clear.

As for the marijuana use, Cole reports that Williams did not return an e-mail on Wednesday asking if he had stopped smoking and if that had anything to do with playing football again.

However, the mercurial retiree, who has lost approximately 30 pounds since retiring, made the statement he had quit using marijuana in front of several people during a recent meeting regarding a paternity suit.

Williams said he quit using the substance because it wasn't healthy for his "Astro-body." While such statements are in keeping with Williams' alternative thought patterns, Cole reminded readers that his reasons have often turned out to be more transparent with time.

In July, Williams quit football two weeks before Dolphins training camp. At the time, he said he was tired of playing football and living by the rules and values associated with the game. Days afterward, it was revealed that Williams was facing a four-game suspension for testing positive three times for using marijuana.

Under terms of the NFL substance-abuse policy, Williams can't return to the Dolphins until July at this point or else he would face a one-year league suspension. Williams might still face a four-week suspension and a four-week fine of his salary if he comes back.

As for the appeal of the $8.6 million judgment, three sources with extensive knowledge of the case told Cole that Williams has been advised to drop the case because the NFL Players Association doesn't think it will win in court.

If that's indeed the case, the Dolphins can begin pursuing repayment of the $8.6 million. However, Cole believes that might be counterproductive since it would alienate him further from the team and because it would open the door for Williams to file for bankruptcy, which would protect him from repaying the money and might lead to him becoming a free agent.

For those who have been hibernating. ... Miami never rebounded from Williams' surprise retirement last summer. The Dolphins finished 31st in the NFL in rushing with an 83.7-yard average. Sammy Morris led the team in rushing with just 523 yards. ...

Stay tuned. ... I suspect we haven't heard the last of this story. ...

Also in Miami. ... Saban last week downplayed the chances of trading for Indianapolis running back Edgerrin James and confirmed there would be an open quarterback competition between incumbent A.J. Feeley and Gus Frerotte.

On the quarterback battle, Saban said in a statement: "Where anyone is on the depth chart right now doesn't matter. ... The starting quarterback will be the person who can play winning football for us. We will be supportive of A.J. Feeley and give him every opportunity to succeed."

Asked during a local radio interview about trading for James or Shaun Alexander, Saban told listeners: "We're only going to be a good team down the road if we build this team with the draft. We can't continue to give away our draft picks. ... If we trade for [James or Alexander], how are we going to pay him?"

Other Fantasy-specific news and notes of interest from around the league. ...

Following up on last week's biggest story. ... In an article published Saturday, New York Newsday staff writer Bob Glauber advised readers that Giants head coach Tom Coughlin "can't wait to get a look at his newest acquisition.

"Plaxico Burress, welcome to the offense. ..."

"He makes us a better football team, there's no doubt about that," Coughlin said of Burress, whose signing was officially announced Friday after he agreed to a six-year, $25-million contract Thursday. "He is a guy who has an imposing physical presence. And because he does have the ability to be a long-ball threat, he is a guy that will force defenses to pay particular attention to where he is."

Glauber went on to note that Coughlin already is trying to figure out ways to get the ball to the former first-round draft pick.

"He is a tremendous threat in the green zone," Coughlin said, referring to the area inside the opponent's 20-yard line. "Any time he's one-on-one, no matter what the coverage is, if you're only spending one defender on the guy, he has a knack for finding a way to get the ball."

Burress sounded equally enthusiastic.

"I'm definitely excited," he said. "I get an opportunity to go out and play with a great offense. Everybody knows about Tiki Barber and Jeremy Shockey. Hopefully, we can all grow to be a better team and a better offense. I look forward to getting here and working with Eli Manning. Hopefully, we'll get on the same page and Manning-to-Burress will become a big thing around here. It's going to be fun."

Said Manning: "I'm really excited to have Plaxico come aboard. I'm ready to come back next week and I'm looking forward to working together during the offseason program."

The Giants begin their offseason program Monday.

"Eli is an up-and-coming quarterback who's going to be a great player in this league," Burress said. "I just want us to get on the same page real quick."

As Coughlin pointed out, the 6-5, 226-pound Burress has the physical attributes necessary to get down the field and into the end zone -- skills the Giants desperately need.

Amani Toomer and Ike Hilliard, last year's starting wide receivers, did not a have touchdown catch between them. Hilliard has since been cut.

As for concern about how Burress might react to the Coughlin's hard-nosed coaching style and regimented ways, New York Daily News columnist Gary Myers noted that while Burress can be flashy on the field, the newcomer says he's not that way off the field.

"I think that plays a role in my perception as a person," Burress said. "As far as some of the things that were said about me, it was kind of shocking to me. I never rubbed anybody the wrong way. I sat back and listened to what was going on.

"I don't have too much to say. People don't really know me, and I don't give people a chance to know me, because I don't talk a lot. ..."

Maybe not. But that didn't stop him from telling a national radio audience last May that the Steelers were "inconsiderate" toward players for holding a mandatory mini-camp on Mother Day's weekend.

I'm not predicting trouble here, just suggesting it might interesting to watch the player/coach relationship develop here. ...

In an article published Thursday, Baltimore Sun beat man Jamison Hensley advised readers that Todd Heap walked the halls of the practice complex recently with a protective boot covering his right ankle, a sign that this offseason hasn't gone perfectly for every Raven.

The Pro Bowl tight end is one of five starters who have had surgery since the end of the regular season, joining running back Jamal Lewis (ankle) among others.

Ravens officials said they believe all their walking wounded should be able to suit up when the team opens training camp at the end of July.

"Our goal is to have them ready for training camp," trainer Bill Tessendorf said, knocking on the side of his wooden desk. "So far, there have been no setbacks, and that's what we hope to continue."

In the second game last season, Heap tore a ligament on the inside part of his ankle, an injury more common to soccer players. After missing 10 of the final 14 games, he underwent reconstructive surgery.

Heap's cast was taken off a week ago, and he is scheduled to remain in a boot for the next four weeks. His participation in the full-team mini-camps in June likely will be limited to light running.

"We fixed some looseness in his ankle that had been there since maybe his rookie year," Tessendorf said. "It probably hasn't been this secure since high school."

Tessendorf has not been able to monitor Lewis as closely.

The former NFL Offensive Player of the Year is serving his four-month drug sentence at a federal prison in Pensacola, Fla. Lewis' ankle has been in an air cast for the past week after his protective boot was removed.

Tessendorf said he has talked more frequently with the physical therapist than Lewis but is looking to schedule a trip there. The Ravens have contacted prison authorities about allowing Tessendorf to examine Lewis' ankle rather than just communicating behind glass like most visitors.

"We're kind of aware of the progress indirectly," Tessendorf said. "To the best of my knowledge, everything looks well. ..."

In a semi-related note. ... ESPN.com insider Len Pasquarelli suggested Friday the one-year, $3 million offer sheet to which the Browns signed Ravens tailback Chester Taylor to Wednesday could turn out to be among the most significant moves this offseason.

Because the entire $3 million counts against the salary cap for 2005, it might be difficult for the Ravens to match the offer sheet.

Losing the versatile Taylor, who has worked behind Lewis and developed into a viable change-of-pace man (714 rushing yards in 2004), would mean Baltimore might have to rely on the relatively untested Musa Smith as its No. 2 tailback.

Pasquarelli went on to remind readers that Smith, a third-round pick in 2003, is a talented player. But after missing much of his rookie campaign to a knee injury -- and the final six weeks last season with a broken leg, he has just 21 carries as a pro.

Smith also isn't as accomplished a receiver as Taylor, who filled the role of third-down back in the Ravens offense.

Pasquarelli added that if he winds up in Cleveland, Taylor should challenge Lee Suggs for the starting job and his presence would permit the Browns to release former first-round back William Green, who doesn't fit into their plans anymore. ...

In Denver. ... Despite a glut of running backs in the NFL marketplace, Reuben Droughns is not giving up his quest to be a starting tailback.

"In my heart, I still want to be a No. 1 running back," Droughns told Denver Post staffer Patrick Saunders after beginning his offseason training regimen in Florida last weekend.

The Broncos have given Droughns and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, permission to seek a trade. However, there are a number of quality backs being shopped, including James, Alexander, Buffalo's Travis Henry and Chicago's Anthony Thomas.

And as Saunders noted, there also are a number of quality backs in next month's NFL draft. Three backs are considered top-10 picks: Ronnie Brown and Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, both from Auburn, and Cedric Benson of Texas. And the teams that most need starting running backs -- Miami, Tampa Bay and Arizona -- all draft in the top 10.

"I haven't really paid much attention to all of that," Droughns said. "My thoughts are that I want to play tailback, and I'm not sure what the Broncos want me to play.

"But I have said all along that I wouldn't mind staying with the Broncos."

Droughns began the 2004 season as Denver's starting fullback, but injuries pushed Droughns into the starting role at tailback. He responded with 1,240 yards rushing and six 100-yard games in 12 starts.

However, the Broncos are looking at second-year back Tatum Bell as their likely starting tailback in 2005.

"To tell you the truth, I don't know if there's a lot of interest in Reuben at that position from other teams," Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said recently on the Broncos' web site. "If he gets on with another team and can be a No. 1 running back, then more power to him."

Although it's hard to guess where teams will stand after post-June 1 cuts -- and even harder to predict training camp and preseason injury situations, I'll go ahead and toss out the "fat chance" that Bowlen left hanging. ...

In Cincinnati. ... Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer has been medically cleared to fully participate in the team's offseason conditioning program that begins April 4.

As Cincinnati Post beat writer Kevin Goheen recounted this week, Palmer suffered a strained medial collateral ligament in his left knee in the third quarter of a 35-28 loss at New England Dec. 5. Jon Kitna started the final three games of the season in place of Palmer and led the Bengals to a 2-1 record.

If we were to start today, I'd be ready to go with everything," Palmer, who was given the OK by doctors Feb. 1, told Goheen. "Right now I'm just training and playing a little golf. I really don't need a lot of time to wind down from a season. After a couple of weeks I'm starting to get bored. I'm someone who constantly needs to keep doing things."

Palmer opened last season with a less-than-impressive 62.6 passer rating while throwing just five touchdowns compared to 10 interceptions but rebounded to compile a 96.9 rating in his final seven appearances. He finished the season having completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 2,897 yards, 18 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.

Goheen added that Palmer has been uplifted by the team's ability to re-sign wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh and running back Rudi Johnson to go along with the contract extension wide receiver Chad Johnson received in 2003.

"The organization is putting a lot of money out there to win," said Palmer. "It's a great time of the year now because you can see what we've got coming back this season."

Chad Johnson echoed the quarterback's sentiment.

"The sky's the limit from here on out," Johnson, who has caught 185 passes for 2,629 yards and 19 touchdowns in the last two seasons, told Goheen. "This means there won't be any more surprises starting out the year. There will be a reason for why we're doing things and for why we're successful in what we do. ..."

In Chicago. ... Rex Grossman said if there was a game this week, he could play on his right knee, which was surgically repaired in October after he tore the anterior cruciate ligament. He has been doing all quarterback work necessary for a few weeks and says the half-year off from throwing was good for his arm.

According to Chicago Sun-Times staffer Brad Biggs, because he's at team headquarters every day working out, Grossman also is spending many hours a week in new offensive coordinator Ron Turner's office in the fifth offense he will have played in in five years.

"I love it," he said. "I'm really excited about some of the philosophies that he's brining in -- high completion percentage, but also knowing when to take the chances down the field. I'm excited about how he gets receivers open, and that's really important to me.

"Also being flexible with the offense, if I see something being able to change something at the last second. ..."

In a related note. ... The reason team officials aren't concerned about their inability to land a veteran free agent to work behind Grossman is their confidence in current No. 2 quarterback Chad Hutchinson, who struggled through the final five games.

But according to Chicago Daily Herald beat writer Bob LeGere, that effort endeared him to the coaching staff and that's why the team told every experienced, former starting quarterback they've met with in the offseason that, if signed, the veteran would begin behind Hutchinson on the depth chart.

"I like my future being tied to Chad's," head coach Lovie Smith said Saturday. "I like him on our team. ..."

For the record. ... Craig Krenzel appears likely to remain the Bears No. 3 quarterback, although they still may bring in a veteran such as Jeff Blake, who was Philadelphia's third-stringer last year. The team sent Ryan Dinwiddie and Kurt Kittner to NFL Europe, where they will try to earn an invitation to training camp. ...

In San Francisco. ... San Jose Mercury News beat writer Dennis Georgatos reports that incoming head coach Mike Nolan said the 49ers remain interested in signing David Boston but won't act on it until the coach has a chance in the next week or so to meet with the free-agent wide receiver, who has a checkered past.

"David can certainly bring a lot to the table for us, but I need to make sure it's the right thing for the 49ers," Nolan said. ...

Also according to Georgatos, Tim Rattay, who had postseason forearm surgery, may not be ready to participate in the 49ers' three-day veteran mini-camp that starts April 1. ...

And finally. ...

As initially reported by SI.com insider Don Banks, the possible connection between the increased number of foot and lower leg injuries around the league, and the ever-lighter model of shoe being worn by NFL players these days is fast emerging as a legitimate story.

The league, according to Falcons general manager Rich McKay, who is also co-chairman of the powerful competition committee, is concerned and wants to study the possible correlation.

The NFL wants to have injury data on hand when it discusses the topic with the shoe companies that outfit players, such as Nike, Reebok and Adidas.

McKay said the league also will look into whether the many different stadiums that have switched to the synthetic Field Turf are a factor in the injury outbreak.

"We've changed to Field Turf and maybe the shoes haven't caught up," he said.

In case you missed it, the competition committee has asked the league's medical advisers to study injury rates and severity in the coming years so accurate data can be sorted.

The request comes as the committee revealed last month that injuries were up significantly league-wide.

"There's no question they were up," McKay said late last month. "This is not the first year they were up in relation to the last season. If this is a trend, we're going to take a look at it. We'll look at every tape of a play that leads to injury and see if there is a common denominator."

And the committee, currently meeting in Hawaii, isn't wasting any time either. In addition to discussing some forms of low blocks, and blocks on what are termed "unsuspecting players," they have also discussed the "horse collar" tackle in depth.

Although McKay wouldn't commit to any changes, there is considerable concern after Eagles receiver Terrell Owens suffered a broken leg last season when Cowboys safety Roy Williams tackled him by the back of the shoulder pads.

Williams, in fact, injured other players with the "horse-collar" technique.

"We're going to today watch some tape on that and tomorrow watch some tape on that," McKay said in a conference call from Maui on Wednesday. "Very difficult to figure out if we'll recommend something or not. There is a concern that that tactic could lead to injury.

"We've been very hesitant as a league for a long time to take away means of tackling a runner because so hard as it is, except when the tactic is dangerous and causes injury."

While they're unlikely to publicly admit the technique is dangerous, guys like Owens, Musa Smith and Tyrone Calico offer ample evidence that it causes injury.