Broncos RB Javonte Williams Clears Air on His True Recovery Timetable
Despite running back Javonte Williams suffering a grievous multi-ligament knee injury in Week 4 of last season, the Denver Broncos have been publicly very optimistic and bullish on his timetable to return. We've heard from both GM George Paton and head coach Sean Payton that Williams will be good to go for the regular season.
But what about training camp? In an appearance at a football camp hosted by teammate Patrick Surtain II, Williams broke his silence by confirming training camp as a viable timetable.
"I mean, that's the plan," Williams said via ESPN's Jeff Legwold. "I feel like I'm ready to go.''
The Broncos will be the ultimate arbiters of when Williams returns. It's been a long slog for the third-year back on the recovery trail, but he detailed to what length he's been grinding to get back into full health.
"It's just all about the evaluation, how the Broncos feel about it,'' Williams said. "Just seeing how I feel, moving, just trying to get my speed back to normal, things like that.''
Williams was Denver's second-round pick back in 2021, and he quickly showcased his talent by rushing for nearly 1,000 yards his rookie year as a backup to Melvin Gordon. By the beginning of 2022, Williams had already earned a reputation around the NFL for his violent running style and how he relished being the aggressor with the ball in his hands.
Then the injury bug jumped up and bit him in Week 4, putting the kybosh on all of that momentum. However, the tide has turned in Denver with Payton taking the reins, and if healthy, Williams stands to be one of the biggest individual beneficiaries of the new run-heavy offense the Broncos will deploy.
Surtain, also a 2021 Broncos draft pick, likes Williams' outlook.
"I'm very excited,'' Surtain said. "Vonte looks good, I can't wait for him to get back out there and play with the fellas.''
The Broncos will report to training camp on July 25. The first practice, which will be open to the public, will be on July 28.
Let's hope to see Williams out there on the grass, running around unencumbered and doing his thing.
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