The Dallas Cowboys signed former Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams to a one-year, $3 million deal, hoping he would start in 2025 and potentially return to his rookie form. Williams had a great rookie season in 2021, finishing as the team’s second-leading rusher and performing well in the passing game. He rushed for 903 yards on 203 attempts and four touchdowns in 17 games, along with 43 receptions for 316 yards and three touchdowns.
Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse for the former second-round pick in 2022.
The Dallas Cowboys’ newcomer’s 2022 injury hindered his last three seasons
Denver Broncos, Javonte Williams
Oct 2, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) is brought down by Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Javonte Williams suffered a torn ACL, LCL, and PCL in his right knee in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2022 season. Since then, Williams has not been the same rusher he once was in 2021, seeing his rushing yards and yards per attempt numbers dip substantially over the past two seasons. He rushed for 774 yards on 3.6 yards per attempt in 16 games and 49% of snaps in 2023 and 513 yards on 3.7 yards per attempt in 17 games and 52% of snaps in 2024.
Dallas Cowboys newcomer healthy for 2025
Javonte Williams
Jan 12, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills in an AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
During Friday’s interview, via Tommy Yarrish of the team’s website, Javonte Williams provided a positive injury update on his knee, which was nearly three years removed from the injury. Williams shared that he is fully healthy and feeling like himself heading into Week 2 of voluntary organized team activities.
“I feel completely like myself…” Williams said via Yarrish. “I probably can get more flexible and things like that, but as far as healing up, that I feel like is done.
“It just depends on who you are, it depends on your body… mine might take this amount of time, but somebody else might be different.
“It’s a lot that goes into it that people don’t really understand. Just to be back out here and have another opportunity and chance to show myself, I can’t ask for nothing else.”
He will compete for the starting job
USATSI 23360829
May 23, 2024; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) during organized team activities at Centura Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Javonte Williams will not be handed the starting running back job. He will compete against former Philadelphia Eagles and Carolina Panthers Pro Bowler Miles Sanders, former Texas Longhorns’ speedster Jaydon Blue, and former Clemson Tigers’ star Phil Mafah. Williams is taking the early lead and receiving the lion’s share of first-team reps at the start of OTAs.
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