JavonteWilliams

News: 5 days agoWilliams rushed four times for 15 yards and caught one of his two targets for five yards in Sunday's 34-30 preseason win over the Colts.

Spin: Williams played just nine snaps as the starter in the Broncos' first preseason game. The veteran running back was unable to get much going with such little playing time, but his limited usage in the opener should hint at his secure spot atop the depth chart ahead of Samaje Perine, Jaleel McLaughlin and rookie Audric Estime. Williams continues to receive high praise from the Denver coaching staff while his surgically repaired knee could be stronger than it was in a disappointing 2023 season. The 24-year-old also lost weight this offseason in an attempt to improve his conditioning, which could help him to get back to the form of his impressive rookie season.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Though Williams' numbers were lackluster -- his yards per carry, explosive-play and yards after contact numbers were down considerably compared to pre-knee reconstruction -- credit him for quickly returning to action. He proved ready to play in Week 1, 343 days after tearing the ACL, LCL and posterolateral corner in his right knee, and appeared in 16 games, including handling 15-plus touches nine times. That aggressive recovery, coupled with the hefty workload, might have contributed to the so-so numbers, and he wouldn't be the first player to take a bigger step forward the second year following such a significant operation. Williams, now 24, has a fantasy RB2 ceiling, but he would be wisely selected as a flex while his team overhauls the quarterback position.