Saints’ Williams May Return Dec. 24

Running back Ricky Williams could return to the New Orleans Saints in time for their final regular-season game Dec. 24.

Williams, who suffered a broken ankle late in the game against the Carolina Panthers on Nov. 12, may get his cast removed this week.

“There’s a chance he can come back,” Coach Jim Haslett said. “We’re kind of shooting for the last game, but hopefully the playoffs.”

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Quarterback Kurt Warner of the St. Louis Rams took snaps for the first time in more than five weeks and reported no problems with the little finger on his throwing hand.

He wore a plastic protective piece on the finger during practice, but team doctors said he shouldn’t have to wear it Sunday when the Rams, who were 2-3 with Trent Green at quarterback, play Carolina.

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Rookie Doug Johnson was given the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback job as Coach Dan Reeves began looking ahead to next season. Chris Chandler, the No. 1 quarterback since Reeves took charge of the Falcons in 1997, was dropped to No. 3 behind Johnson and Danny Kanell. . . . For the record: The Associated Press erroneously reported Tuesday that Tampa Bay Buccaneer quarterback Shaun King was one of four NFL players allegedly victimized by financial advisor Fairron W. Newton, who has been indicted on fraud charges. The player was former Indianapolis Colt defensive end Shawn King. . . . Shaun King will start Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. The second-year player sat out a workout Monday because of a lower back strain, but said he felt fine after taking most of the snaps as the Buccaneers began preparations for Sunday’s game. . . . Jim Fassel did more last week than guarantee that the New York Giants would make the playoffs. The coach also put a gag order on his players, who are not permitted to talk about the Giants or discuss an opponent. . . . Jacksonville put offensive tackle Leon Searcy on injured reserve because he isn’t ready to return from a torn tendon in his right knee suffered during the preseason. . . . New Orleans claimed defensive back Chris Canty off waivers, one day after he was let go by Seattle.