Broncos RB Javonte Williams Avoids Training Camp PUP List
Nine months ago, Javonte Williams sustained a multi-ligament knee injury that cast serious doubt on his availability for the 2023 season. Nine months later, a landmark decision was reached.
The Denver Broncos announced Sunday that its starting running back will avoid the Physically Unable to Perform list to open training camp Friday. Fittingly, this puts Williams on track to play Week 1 versus the Las Vegas Raiders — the team against whom he suffered said injury.
Williams underwent corrective surgery after shredding his right knee amid the Broncos' Oct. 2 loss to Las Vegas. Testing revealed he suffered tears to his ACL, LCL, and posterolateral corner. It was a significant malady requiring extensive rehab, which the third-year pro attacked with gusto.
"He’s doing well," Broncos head coach Sean Payton told reporters on June 15. "I feel like I was at the start of the offseason. When I arrived, and with that type of injury, it was in the early stages. But yeah, I’m very optimistic.”
An ideal fit in Payton's smashmouth offensive scheme, Williams enters his age-23 campaign as Denver's presumed lead back following the March addition of Samaje Perine, who the club also views as a capable RB1.
And while an early-season pitch count remains possible, Williams is pacing to be fully cleared — and uninhibited — by Sept. 10, a testament to his grit and determination throughout a hellish rehab process.
"I feel like I'm ready to go," Williams proclaimed earlier this month.
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