By Mark Maske
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, October 2, 2007; E05

The triumph over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday that raised the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' record to 3-1 was costly. Tailback Carnell "Cadillac" Williams and left tackle Luke Petitgout suffered season-ending knee injuries.

Both players are scheduled to undergo surgery this week, Buccaneers Coach Jon Gruden said during a news conference yesterday.

The Buccaneers plan to rotate Michael Pittman and Earnest Graham at tailback in place of Williams. Donald Penn is to take over at left tackle for Petitgout, who was signed in the offseason after being released by the New York Giants.

"That's a big blow," Gruden said. "They're great guys. We have some people that need to step up now. . . . It's a tough day that way, but we're very happy with the win."

Gruden said he watched the Philadelphia Eagles struggle Sunday night without tailback Brian Westbrook and left tackle William Thomas, who were injured and on the inactive list for a 16-3 loss to the Giants in which the Eagles surrendered 12 sacks and were called for 15 penalties.

"You lose a lot of skill," Gruden said. "Watching Philadelphia [Sunday] play without their left tackle and without their running back, you know it's not an easy thing to overcome. Experience and production at those positions is something every offense relies on. But we're confident in Donald Penn. . . . Michael Pittman helped us win a couple division championships here and Earnest Graham is clearly a capable runner and receiver."

Suspended Miami Dolphins tailback Ricky Williams applied to the league for reinstatement, according to his representatives. The former NFL rushing champion has been suspended since April 2006 for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Williams reportedly tested positive for marijuana this past April, pushing back his potential reinstatement.

It could take up to two months for the league to rule on Williams's request for reinstatement. Under the rules of the substance abuse program, Williams's doctors have up to 45 days after the request is received by the league to submit a report and make a recommendation to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and Goodell has up to 15 days after that to make a decision. Williams remains under contract to the Dolphins but first-year coach Cam Cameron has not said whether he would want Williams back.

San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith, who separated his right shoulder Sunday in a loss to Seattle, will miss this weekend's game against the Ravens. Trent Dilfer is to start against his former team in place of Smith. But 49ers Coach Mike Nolan told reporters yesterday that Smith won't have to undergo surgery and indicated it's possible he could return to the lineup after the bye week that follows the Ravens game.

New England signed fullback Kyle Eckel to the active roster and released linebacker Corey Mays.

Eckel, 25, was signed to the practice squad on Sept. 3. The 5-foot-11, 237-pound fullback from Navy was released by the Dolphins in September after spending the past two seasons on the exempt list.

The Chicago Bears terminated Obafemi Ayanbadejo's contract, cutting ties with the fullback who had just completed a four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.