Javonte Williams spent the offseason recovering from an ACL injury and was able to get ready in time for Week 1. But the Denver Broncos running back suffered an injury in Week 4 against the Chicago Bears. What happened to Williams, and what’s his status for the rest of Sunday’s action?
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Javonte Williams Injury Update
Williams suffered a hip injury on Sunday. While it’s unclear exactly when the third-year RB was injured, the Broncos initially announced he’s questionable to return in Week 4.
The news on Williams got worse near the beginning of the third quarter when Denver officially ruled him out for the remainder of today’s game.
Thankfully, Williams only suffered a hip flexor, as ESPN reported after the game. He’s “not expected to miss much if any time.”
Broncos’ RB Javonte Williams, who left today’s win over Chicago with a hip injury, suffered a hip flexor, per source. He is not expected to miss much if any time.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 2, 2023
Williams, a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, tore his ACL, LCL, and posterolateral corner in Week 4 of the 2022 campaign. While initial reports suggested he might not be ready for the beginning of the 2023 season, Williams rehabbed over the offseason and was available for Week 1.
The 23-year-old had posted two carries for no yards before departing. Williams managed 138 scoreless yards on 36 attempts over the season’s first three games.
Denver, aware it needed a complement to Williams, signed former Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine to a two-year, $7 million deal this offseason. He will project as the Broncos’ RB1 if Williams misses significant time.
The Broncos also have undrafted rookie free agent Jaleel McLaughlin and NFL journeyman Dwayne Washington on their roster. McLaughlin has received two carries in today’s game, while Washington hasn’t seen an attempt.
Fantasy Fallout From Williams’ Injury
Perine would assume the lead role in Denver should Williams miss significant time, a role he hasn’t consistently held since his rookie season (under 100 carries in every season since 2017).
He would be worth an add as fantasy depth with bye week season upon us, but one with minimal upside. With the Jets and Chiefs on the schedule over the next two weeks, Perine won’t rank as a top-20 running back.
The limitations on the ground would put more of a focus on Russell Wilson and this passing game. Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton would move up a few spots in the weekly WR ranks. Wilson would move up the QB streamer rankings but still wouldn’t be someone you should be comfortable with weekly.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe