Cadillac Williams is questionable with bruised ribs for Sunday's home game against the New Orleans Saints, but realistically the Bucs tailback is doubtful.

In the wake of Tampa Bay's 20-6 season-opening loss in Seattle, Coach Jon Gruden said at his Monday morning press conference that Williams will be evaluated through the week and hopes that he'll be ready to face the Saints.

"If we don't have Cadillac, we'll have to use (Michael) Pittman and Ernest Graham at tailback and you'll see a lot more of B.J. Askew, who played pretty well at fullback,'' Gruden said. "Again, we'll update you as to (Williams') status in the next day or so. At this point in time he's questionable for the game and there's a chance he plays."

Defensive back Brian Kelly is also questionable for the game with a groin injury, wide receiver David Boston is probable with a foot injury sustained during pre-game warmups and Patrick Chukwurah continues to be listed as out with a knee injury.

As for the Saints, Gruden said, "They're a very good team. They won 12 games last season...It's a great measuring stick for us. I do see improvement. I think whole football team sees improvement. We're a hell of a lot better football team on opening day this year than last year. The first quarter and really 75-80 percent of that game shows that. We've got to continue to improve in all areas. We've got to pass protect in critical situations better. We've got to eliminate the big plays on defense. That's the thing we've done well here for years...And we need to score touchdowns on offense. That's what we need to improve upon. And we need to quit getting guys hurt."

-- DAVE SCHEIBER, Times Staff Writer