Top pick Williams cleared for full participation in practice

Just more than eight weeks after surgery, Chris Williams was cleared for full participation in practice.

The first-round pick from Vanderbilt took part in all of practice Friday for the first time. It was the next step in his return to the field which could come before November at this point.

“It’s real encouraging,” Williams said. “I’m ready to play, know what I mean?”

Williams had surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back Aug. 6. He returned to practice on a limited basis two weeks ago and now it’s a matter of just getting him game ready, something offensive coordinator Ron Turner admitted isn’t the easiest thing with a lineman in practice. Afterward Friday, Williams was running sprints that were timed by trainer Bobby Slater.

“I feel a lot better,” Williams said. “Whenever they say, `Chris, you can go,’ I’m going. Until then, I’m just doing what they tell me, basically. I need the doctor to be comfortable. He knows what’s going on. To me it’s just a matter of when he says I’m ready, I’m ready. They know the surgery and the process better than I do.”

For what it’s worth, Williams is questionable on the injury report. He’s expected to be inactive Sunday at Detroit.