By Jordan Long
The Denver Broncos start training camp in late July. This is the first under Head Coach Sean Payton. Denver is hopeful running back Javonte Williams will be healthy enough to be in camp.
Williams is entering his third season with the Broncos. In his rookie year, 2021, he rushed for 903 yards and added 4 touchdowns. Williams’ average yards per rush stood at 4.3 yards.
Last year, the Broncos expected Williams’ numbers to be even better. In 4 games Williams ran for 204 yards with an average yards per rush of 4.3. Williams ended up with a devastating knee injury, tearing his ACL, LCL, and posterolateral corner in week 4’s loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, ending his season. He had surgery to repair it.
Williams has been in rehab and the Broncos are eager to have him back in the lineup. Head Coach Sean Payton eyes training camp for him to return. According to NFL.com, Payton said, “Our current starter (Williams) is doing extremely well. I would tell you that we expect him to be ready for the start of training camp and that’s good news. His rehab is going well. I don’t want to speak for him or (vice president of player health and performance) Beau (Lowery) or anyone else, but we get the daily reports. We’re pretty tight-lipped relative to information going out, but I’ve read a lot and I think his rehab is going well.”
The goal for Williams is to be back sometime during training camp. Denver though shouldn’t force it. Torn ligaments are some of the worst injuries. It is difficult to predict when Williams will be back to 100%, if ever. It is probable for Williams to be ready for week 1 but that is up to how Williams’ body heals.
If Williams isn’t ready to go, Denver has depth at the running back position to begin training camp. This includes veteran Samaje Perine, Damarea Crockett, Tony Jones, Tyler Badie, and rookie Jaleel McLaughlin. All of them are healthy and ready to go. The Broncos may go with this group of running backs until Williams is ready to participate.
The Broncos hope Williams will be the featured running back for the offense. Payton can anticipate Williams to be ready for camp but there is no guarantee. Denver must be careful with Williams. They want him to last the season.
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