As noted previously in this space, Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie receiver Mike Williams was arrested this morning under suspicion of DUI. Immediate reports came out regarding his status for this Sunday's game against San Francisco, some claiming he would be playing and others saying he would most certainly not be playing.
Now it looks like we have something definitive, ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that Williams will make the trip to San Francisco and start, despite the arrest. Buccaneers' head coach Raheem Morris said he made the decision after speaking to team captains Josh Freeman and Ronde Barber. Whether or not one thinks he should be playing is irrelevant at this point, he's starting and the 49ers will have to account for him.
That's a tall order for the 49ers struggling secondary, as Williams is the team's leading receiver. 40 receptions, 627 yards and 5 touchdowns, with clutch reception after clutch reception to his name. Exactly the kind of player to depend on during a comeback in say, the last two minutes of a football game: San Francisco's worst recurring nightmare. The 49ers will need to put their best on him, but with fellow rookie Arrelious Benn and tight end Kellen Winslow ... it's a stiff test all-around.