Williams suffered a torn patellar tendon in his knee against Carolina last October. While he is unable to participate in team drills, he has been running sprints, cutting and catching footballs.

"It's one of the most amazing comebacks that I've seen," coach Jon Gruden said. "He hasn't come back yet, but he's banging on the door. You'd be proud of him. Our fans would be proud of him.

"He's running fast. I do know that. He's putting himself through an unbelievable workout routine. I've never seen anything like it. It rivals some of the great Rocky Balboa movies you see on TV. It's very important to him. God bless him and his work ethic. It's something that's really stimulated our whole coaching staff and football team as we've seen him take step by step in his return."

Williams, the NFL's Rookie of the Year in 2005, knows he still has a long way to go before he can jog back into the huddle.

But his determination and work habits following surgery hav carried him further faster than even he originally imagined.

"Early on, it was a tough time, especially with people speculating that I might not ever play again and all the rumors going on," Williams said following his workout Tuesday. "So it was tough early on. But at that time, I just kept grinding and I really can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I wouldn't say it's a miracle or things like that, because truth be told, I still have a long way to go. But I'm very surprised and satisfied with my progress right now."

So does Williams expect to play during the regular season?

"Oh, no doubt. Hands down," Williams said. "I mean, there's no ifs, ands or buts about it, I'm playing this season."

According to Williams, the turning point came in March when he ventured to Raymond James Stadium with trainer Todd Toriscelli to walk the escalators inside the lounge area.

"I had gotten to the point where I could walk up the escalator," Williams said. "I was walking them and I told them, 'I can run them.' I ran them. I was surprised, they were surprised. But that's when my rehab started to turn. I had the confidence that I could put that knee down, pushing off of it and from there it started taking off."

Teams can only take 80 players to Celebration July 25, so Williams could be placed on the active
"He doesn't appear to have any setbacks at this point," Gruden said. "I just keep my fingers crossed and hope it continues because it's exciting. It's really exciting.

"If there's one great story to come out of here today it's Carnell Williams and it's the work ethic that he has right now and I'll just say I'm really proud to see that and witness that."

Williams said the injury has made him realize how important every aspect of football is in his life. Beyond that, he's more sympathetic of those who are less fortunate.

He said, "This has taught me how much I love the game of football. It's an amazing game. For me watching from a distance and not able to do things, it was tough. Also, it taught me how blessed people are just to walk, man. I couldn't walk. You take it for granted. Walking. Driving. Having the health and strength to move your legs, your limbs. Sleeping. It put things in perspective. We are blessed as human beings. This experience has really humbled me but it's also made me just that much hungrier."

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