Ricky Williams takes it to the house for a third-quarter score Sunday. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        DAVIE, Fla. - The Miami Dolphins are so happy with Ricky Williams that they sweetened his contract before he even played a game.

        The Dolphins and their new halfback agreed to a revised incentive package that makes it easier for him to earn bonuses, senior vice president Rick Spielman said Monday. The deal was sealed on the eve of Sunday's opener, when Williams ran for 111 yards and two touchdowns to help Miami beat the Detroit Lions 49-21.

        One change in the contract, which runs through 2006, is that any bonus Williams earns will be added to his base salary in subsequent seasons. For example, Williams' showing against the Lions put him on pace for 1,776 yards. That would mean a $1.6 million bonus this year, and his base salary in future years would also increase by $1.6 million annually.

        This season, Williams' base pay is the NFL minimum of $450,000.

        BROWNS: Despite cries from fans, Cleveland coach Butch Davis said linebacker Dwayne Rudd has been forgiven for throwing his helmet and costing the Browns a season-opening victory.

        “He's not going to be cut,” Davis said. “Guys make mistakes, and he made one.”

        COLTS: Indianapolis doesn't expect starting defensive tackle James Cannida (knee) or starting tight end Marcus Pollard (rib cartilage) to play this weekend against the Miami Dolphins.

        COWBOYS: Dallas linebacker Dat Nguyen underwent surgery on his broken right wrist and will miss 6-to-8 weeks. The Cowboys also signed ex-Bengals receiver Darnay Scott and released offensive lineman Char-ron Dorsey.

        LIONS: Mike McMahon will remain Detroit's starting quarterback even though he was benched in favor of rookie Joey Harrington during the Lions' 49-21 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

        RAIDERS: Oakland running back Zack Crockett has been cleared by team doctors to play at Pittsburgh this week after injuring his neck against Seattle.

        REDSKINS: Brett Conway's career could be over because of a torn leg muscle he sustained in Washington's 31-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. It's the fourth major injury in the 27-year-old Conway's career.

        TITANS: Tennessee defensive end Jevon Kearse had a screw inserted into his broken left foot, and he could return in six weeks. Kearse, a three-time Pro Bowl defensive end, has never missed an NFL start in three seasons.

Frerotte says he'll play with a bum thumb LeBeau: We will fix it Stats paint a stark picture Brown concerned with fan support after defeat Browns get encouraging report on Tucker To Browns fans, it's Rudd - as in Mudd Cowboys sign Darnay Scott NFL coaches take it on the chin in Week 1 No debating real national pastime anymore Texans still glowing after their victory over Cowboys Williams inks Dolphins deal Pats rough up Steelers on MNF

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