Broncos Tease Plan for RB Javonte Williams vs. Niners in Game 2
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton was true to his word, playing the team's first-team starters in preseason Game 1 vs. the Arizona Cardinals. Quarterback Russell Wilson and most of the Broncos' offensive starters played 20 snaps in the team's 18-17 loss.
Absent from the unit was No. 1 running back Javonte Williams, who has experienced a near-miraculous recovery from a grievous multi-ligament knee injury suffered in Week 4 of last season. Williams has been a full participant, basically, since Broncos training camp opened, so fans noted that he didn't play in preseason Game 1.
Williams' absence from Friday night's action was also conspicuous to the media, so Coach Payton was asked about the young back's status following Tuesday's practice. Payton revealed the Broncos will play Williams in Saturday's exhibition tilt vs. the San Francisco 49ers.
“He’s doing well. We will have a plan," Payton said of Williams. "We plan on playing him. We’ll see pitch count-wise towards the end of the week. We’ll be smart, but I do see him getting to play some.”
In Williams' stead, newcomer Samaje Perine took the first-team reps at running back, finishing with 20 snaps. Perine totaled a team-high 26 rushing yards on six carries, with one failed target on an incomplete shuffle pass from Wilson.
The Broncos received solid contributions from their running back stable, including Tyler Badie (6/24), Jaleel McLaughlin (4/20), and Tony Jones, Jr. (3/8). As solid as this group is, each player pales in comparison to the talent and skill set Williams brings to the table.
A 2021 second-round pick out of North Carolina, Williams came just shy of a 1,000-yard rookie season (903) as the Broncos' No. 2 back behind Melvin Gordon. Williams is a powerful runner, and can catch passes out of the backfield. Plus, he can pass protect, which is going to be a must for the Broncos, based on how porous the offensive line was in Game 1.
Fans will soon get to see the proof in the pudding relative to the Williams comeback miracle. Expect to see him suit up on Saturday night.
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