Cadillac Williams said he has shown rapid improvement since suffering bruised ribs in Sunday's loss at Seattle.

   In fact, Williams hasn't ruled out playing in the home opener against New Orleans at Raymond James Stadium.

   ""The (ribs) are doing a lot better,'' Williams said. ""From Sunday to today, they're a lot better so everything is looking very positive right now.

   ""I definitely wouldn't rule myself out the way I'm feeling right now. If it continues to get better, there's no question I will (play).''

   Williams is expected to be listed as questionable for Sunday's game and was not expected to practice Wednesday. If Williams does play, he said he would wear extra padding to protect his ribs.

   The injury occurred when Williams was blindsided by Seattle linebacker Lofa Tatupu in the third quarter. He finished with 12 carries for 60 yards.   

   ""It was a tough blow,'' Williams said. ""Initially, my thought laying on the ground was, "Oh, man, I've broken my ribs. Once we got x-rays and they said everything looked good, I was just relieved to hear that.''

   Williams said he had difficulty breathing and sleeping Sunday and Monday and struggled to get out of bed. But after receiving treatment, some of that pain has subsided.

   ""Monday morning, it was like I could barely breath or cough or make a certain movement,'' Williams said. ""So today is Wednesday and I can cough without things hurting. Today is Wednesday and we play on Sunday, so that's a positive to me.''