"RB Derrick Ward said he can't wait to see his former teammates when the Bucs hosts the Giants on Sunday.

He won't have to wait long once the game kicks off.

Ward was informed this week by coach Raheem Morris that he would start and, depending on the status of Cadillac Williams (knee), he could play more than usual alongside Earnest Graham.

"Derrick's going to get the first crack at his old boys," Morris said.

Williams had soreness in his left knee this week as a result of the pounding on Buffalo's artificial surface. He had major surgery on the knee in December and has recovered nicely. But the team is being particularly cautious, even if Williams doesn't see reason for alarm.

The knee is "a lot better than it was," he said Friday. "I was actually able to go out there and do some things.

"(It's) more of a game-time (decision), but the way I'm feeling now, I should be good."

Williams said he did not feel any pain during or immediately after the game.

"That's the weird thing," said Williams, who is listed as questionable. "After the game and on Monday, it felt good. But it kind of flared up Tuesday.""