Associated Press
Sunday, September 12, 1999; 2:42 p.m. EDT

NEW ORLEANS – Ricky Williams' NFL debut was interrupted Sunday when his injured left ankle sent him to the sidelines and then to the locker room before halftime of the New Orleans Saints game against the Carolina Panthers.

Williams, who had eight carries for 37 yards in the first quarter, ran for 7 yards around the left end, then for 8 yards up the middle to close out the quarter. His 8-yard run gave New Orleans its only first down of the period, but sent Williams hopping off the field, favoring his injured left ankle. He was helped to the bench and his ankle retaped as worried coach Mike Ditka looked on.

The team announced that Williams again had a high ankle sprain and was questionable to return. But Williams took a couple of practice runs on the sideline, then drew a standing ovation as he trotted back into the lineup. He made only two more carries, however, the first for no gain, the second for 3 yards.

Williams again started limping and was called off the field by the Saints trainer. After huddling with the trainer and team doctors, Williams was placed in a cart and taken to the locker room for X-rays.

Williams sustained a high sprain of his left ankle in the first preseason game but was cleared to play and returned this week.