Buccaneers Lose Two Starters

Wednesday, October 3rd 2007, 11:34 am

By: News On 6

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ The Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed running back Carnell ``Cadillac'' Williams and left tackle Luke Petitgout on injured reserve Wednesday, officially ending their season.

The moves were expected. Williams was carted from the field last Sunday after his right leg was caught awkwardly underneath his body when he was tackled at the end of an 18-yard run and hurt his right knee.

Petitgout limped off in the second quarter after a defensive lineman fell into his right leg.

Now the NFC South leading Bucs face the reality of playing the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts without their top runner. They are expected to replace Williams by using the tandem of Michael Pittman and Earnest Graham.

Coach Jon Gruden says Petitgout will be replaced by second-year tackle Donald Penn, who will get the assignment of blocking three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Dwight Freeney this week.