playing time

Tampa Bay running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams is returning from a career-threatening knee injury that's sidelined him for more than a year.

The Buccaneers activated Williams from the reserve physically unable to perform list before practice Wednesday, and he could get some playing time this week against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Big Hurt is coming back to the Bay Area. The Oakland Athletics agreed to terms Thursday with designated hitter Frank Thomas, who was released Sunday by the Toronto Blue Jays to become a free agent after becoming disgruntled about his playing time.

Thomas was in the lineup for the A's series finale against Minnesota, batting cleanup as the designated hitter.

"He wears his heart on his sleeve. I would be disappointed if a player didn't have a reaction that he cared.

That wasn't really that important to me."

Slumping designated hitter Frank Thomas was released Sunday by the Blue Jays, who cut the 19-year veteran one day after he became angry for being taken out of the lineup.

General manager J.P.

Ricciardi said he and Thomas came to 'a mutual agreement' after meeting in the clubhouse early Sunday.

The Toronto Blue Jays released slumping designated hitter Frank Thomas Sunday, cutting the 19-year veteran loose one day after he was angry for being taken out of the lineup.

General manager J.P. Ricciardi said he and Thomas came to "a mutual agreement" after meeting in the clubhouse early Sunday.

"Our best opportunity is to put other guys in the lineup at this point," Ricciardi said. "Obviously, reduced playing time is not something that he was interested in.

Blue Jays designated hitter Frank Thomas was livid Saturday after getting benched in favor of Matt Stairs and being told by manager John Gibbons he can expect further cuts to his playing time.

Thomas was hitless in his past 13 at-bats and has gone 4-for-35 since homering in three straight games April 5-8.

Blue Jays designated hitter Frank Thomas was livid Saturday after getting benched in favor of Matt Stairs and being told by manager John Gibbons he can expect further cuts to his playing time.

Thomas was hitless in his past 13 at-bats and has gone 4-for-35 since homering in three straight games April 5-8.

The 39-year-old Thomas signed a two-year, $18-million contract with Toronto in November 2006.

The Philadelphia Eagles have cut Jevon Kearse. The Eagles released the former rookie of the year Thursday.

The 31-year-old defensive end failed to live up to the lofty expectations when he signed as a free agent in 2004.

Kearse recorded 3 1/2 sacks in 14 games last season and saw his playing time diminish late in the year.