PHILADELPHIA - This was how Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden - in colleague Paul Domowitch's NFL notes column last Friday - responded to the question on whether rookie running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams was being used too much: "That's for weak minds, really. I'm tired of hearing about it, honestly. We're trying to win games. … I'm not going to apologize for giving him the ball, OK?"

And this was Gruden on Monday after Williams had 13 yards on 11 carries and missed the fourth quarter of the Bucs' win over Detroit: "If he's ready to go (next week), he'll play. All I can say is the doctors will let us know. Carnell's going to let us know."

So much for those weak minds, huh coach?

Williams is battling left hamstring and left foot injuries; the foot strain is more worrisome because it has lingered since Sept. 18, when Williams ran 24 times for 128 yards against Buffalo. The following week, at Green Bay, he had 37 carries.

Despite getting only 11 carries Sunday, Williams still leads the league with 99 rushing attempts. Don't count on him breaking 100 this weekend when the Buccaneers visit the Jets. The rookie is questionable.

Depending on your league's rules, you might want to put him on injured reserve. Just be sure you are able to use him for the very favorable Oct. 30 matchup at San Francisco, which immediately follows the Bucs' bye week.

Veteran Michael Pittman will get the bulk of the work while Williams is out and is worth a pickup as insurance.

I lead all wide receivers with five touchdown catches. I've been a member of five NFL organizations, and earned a Super Bowl ring while on injured reserve with the 1991 Redskins. In 1996, I was the first Jacksonville Jaguar to be named to the Pro Bowl. I attended UNLV, and I have a degree in business management.Who am I?

Even though forecasting Brooks Bollinger's dismal outing Sunday wasn't exactly nuclear physics, Tim Atwell, of Marlton, N.J., still deserves a tip of the helmet.Last week, we ran a contest asking readers to project the Jets quarterback's passing yards against the Ravens. Atwell was closest with a guess of 148 and for his troubles wins a Daily News fantasy football T-shirt.Bollinger passed for 149 yards in the Jets' 13-3 loss, and, for his troubles, gets a spot back on the bench. Vinny Testaverde will start Sunday against visiting Tampa Bay.

Ravens running back Jamal Lewis at Detroit:Love the matchup, but Lewis owners will feel much better if fullback Alan Ricard can play. Monitor Ricard's calf injury and don't be afraid to yank Lewis for another option.Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown at Bills:Brown owners must decide very soon to trade the rookie, who coincidentally posted his first 100-yard game and touchdown before last week's bye, or hope Ricky Williams does something stupid again. Otherwise, expect Brown and Williams, who can return from suspension Oct. 16, to share carries.Saints wide receiver Joe Horn at Packers:Horn practiced this week and appears recovered from the hamstring injury that idled him last week.

Cardinals quarterback Josh McCown vs. Panthers:He's worth a pickup because Arizona has some favorable matchups down the road (Tennessee, Houston, San Francisco), but play him Sunday at your own risk.Lions running back Kevin Jones vs. Ravens:Detroit coach Steve Mariucci said fullback Corey Schlesinger is close to returning from a broken leg. This is too difficult a spot to start Jones, but at least it's something to be optimistic about.Patriots defense at Falcons:An already reeling unit could be without Pro Bowl end Richard Seymour against an Atlanta squad that is 10-1 at home under Jim Mora.

Who am I? I'm San Diego wide receiver Keenan McCardell, who has 18 catches, five for touchdowns.