Kyren Williams Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Buccaneers vs Rams game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 16, 2025
Hot start in Week 11 win
Williams rushed 12 times for 91 yards and a touchdown while catching one of two targets for five yards in Sunday's 21-19 win over the Seahawks.
ANALYSIS
Most of Williams' production came in the first quarter, as he had a two-yard rushing touchdown sandwiched between runs of 30 and 34 yards. He was significantly more effective on a per-touch basis than Blake Corum, who turned nine touches into just five scrimmage yards. Corum has siphoned off 11.5 carries per game in the last four, but Williams remains the lead back in an excellent Rams offense, keeping Williams' fantasy value high heading into a Week 12 home game against the Buccaneers.
Nov 9, 2025
Goes for two scores vs. SF
Williams took 14 carries for 73 yards and a pair of touchdowns while adding two receptions for 11 yards in Sunday's 42-26 win over the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
Williams followed up his first 100-yard rushing game of the season last week with his first multiple rushing touchdown performance of 2025. Blake Corum remained involved with 13 carries for 56 yards, but Williams continues to outproduce the backup while handling the important touches around the goal line. Expect the Rams to lean on Williams and its other top offensive weapons in a potential shootout against the red-hot Seahawks next Sunday.
Nov 2, 2025
Tops 100 yards against Saints
Williams rushed the ball 25 times for 114 yards and one touchdown in Sunday's 34-10 win over the Saints.
ANALYSIS
Williams took advantage of positive game script to log season-high marks in carries and yards, highlighted by his first time reaching 100 yards on the ground across eight contests. His longest rush of the day went for 15 yards, and he still has only one gain of at least 20 yards on 132 attempts for the campaign. Nevertheless, Williams had his most productive fantasy performance, which was helped by a touchdown plunge early in the fourth quarter. He should continue to serve as the Rams' lead back, though he remains reliant on volume to turn in strong fantasy performances.
Oct 19, 2025
Quiet day in blowout win
Williams took 12 carries for 54 yards and caught two of three targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 35-7 overseas win over Jacksonville.
ANALYSIS
Williams' managers suffered a casual stat line in Sunday's one-sided affair after the Rams' passing attack accounted for all five of the team's trips to the end zone in London. The veteran starter's even carry split with Blake Corum (12-37-0) can also be attributed to an unfavorable game script, with six of the backup's carries essentially coming in garbage time. Williams has been a reliable starter in fantasy in 2025, generating 638 yards from scrimmage and five total touchdowns through seven starts. A lack of scoring is the only thing holding the 24-year-old back from his first-round projections, as he is currently on pace to score 12 touchdowns after averaging 15.5 over his last two standout seasons. Williams will be looking to hit pay dirt when the Rams come out of the bye to face the Saints in Week 9.
Oct 12, 2025
Scores another touchdown
Williams rushed the ball 13 times for 50 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 17-3 win over the Ravens. He added two receptions on two targets for 37 yards.
ANALYSIS
The Rams possessed the ball for only 22:05 of game time while averaging only 4.7 yards per play. That led to modest stat lines for the entire skills corps, though Williams was on the better end of things thanks to a three-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter. One play earlier, he made a falling 30-yard reception on fourth down that kept the drive alive. Overall, Williams delivered a well-rounded stat line and also kept the ball secure after losing a fumble in each of his last two games.
Oct 3, 2025
Pair of TD receptions in OT loss
Williams rushed 14 times for 65 yards and secured eight of 10 targets for 66 yards and two touchdowns in the Rams' 26-23 overtime loss to the 49ers on Thursday night. He also lost a fumble.
ANALYSIS
Williams averaged an impressive 4.6 yards per carry with a long gain of 20 yards, but it was via his work as a receiver that he made the biggest impact by far. Williams' reception, receiving yardage and target totals were all season highs, and he added his second and third receiving touchdowns of the campaign on 14- and eight-yard grabs in the second and fourth quarters, respectively. However, the star running back's night ended on quite the sour note, as he was stuffed on a fourth-and-1 play that ended the game. Williams notably logged 13 more carries than backfield mate Blake Corum in Thursday's loss, a reminder the former is still the clear leader of the ground attack heading into a Week 6 road matchup against the Ravens on Sunday, Oct. 12.
Sep 28, 2025
Loses first fumble this season
Williams rushed 13 times for 77 yards and caught three of four targets for 17 yards while coughing up a fumble in Sunday's 27-20 win over the Colts.
ANALYSIS
Williams' fumble early in the fourth quarter didn't end up costing his team a shot at victory, but it put a stink on his Week 4 fantasy score that didn't feature a trip to the end zone. The Notre Dame product still finished as the Rams' leading rusher while out-touching backup Blake Corum 16 to 11 on far better efficiency. Williams has helped offset Corum's increased usage by averaging a healthy 4.2 yards per tote as we near the quarter point of the campaign. The 24-year-old Williams will continue spearheading Los Angeles' rushing attack when the Rams host the 49ers on Thursday Night Football in Week 5.
Sep 21, 2025
Tallies receiving score
Williams rushed the ball 20 times for 94 yards in Sunday's 33-26 loss to the Eagles. He added two catches on three targets for 18 yards and a touchdown.
ANALYSIS
Williams easily led the Rams backfield in carries, but Blake Corum continued to carve out a role in the offense with eight rushing attempts. That didn't affect Williams' performance in Week 3, as he still managed a season-high in both carries and yardage. Williams also made an impact as a receiver for the first time on the campaign, catching a 10-yard touchdown to kick off the third quarter. While Williams may be losing some of his workload, the Rams offense should be efficient enough for him to remain a reliable fantasy contributor moving forward.
Sep 14, 2025
Totals 80 yards
Williams rushed the ball 17 times for 66 yards in Sunday's 33-19 win over the Titans. He added two receptions on two targets for 13 yards.
ANALYSIS
Williams dominated touches out of the Rams' backfield for the most of the game, but he was inefficient once again. He delivered 12 and 15-yard rushes late in the fourth quarter to salvage his day, but that came one drive after he ceded a drive to Blake Corum that concluded with Corum in the end zone. Corum's opportunity was likely due to the Rams being up two scores midway through the fourth quarter, but Williams' usage in the red zone will remain worth monitoring.
Sep 7, 2025
Cashes in first TD of 2025
Williams carried the ball 18 times for 66 yards and a touchdown while catching one of two targets for three yards in Sunday's 14-9 victory over the Texans.
ANALYSIS
It wasn't the most efficient of games from Williams, but he rewarded fantasy managers with the only rushing score of the contest from either side. Another positive takeaway was the backfield touch distribution, with backup RB Blake Corum poaching just two touches from the starter all game. Williams entered this year's drafts as a safe RB1 option, and Sunday's results only confirm that status moving forward. Look for the Notre Dame product to continue dominating the backfield touches in a road matchup against the Titans next Sunday.
Aug 5, 2025
Agrees to three-year extension
Williams and the Rams agreed to terms Tuesday on a three-year, $33 million contract extension, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams had been heading into the final year of his rookie contract, but the 2022 fifth-round pick now locks in a three-year extension that includes $23 million guaranteed, per Schefter. Coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing campaigns, Williams remains locked in atop Los Angeles' backfield depth chart with 2024 third-round pick Blake Corum and rookie fourth-rounder Jarquez Hunter available as backup options. Williams has proven himself a tremendous fit for coach Sean McVay's tendency to utilize a single workhorse running back, a role he's translated into 31 total touchdowns across the last two years (28 regular-season appearances). With his contract situation resolved, Williams can be considered one of the safest RB options coming off the board in the early rounds of fantasy drafts due to his having a legitimate shot to lead the league in carries. Fantasy managers may continue to exercise some caution regarding Los Angeles' offense as a whole until a specific timetable for the return of Matthew Stafford
Jul 22, 2025
Intends to practice
Williams expects to practice after reporting to Rams training camp in the midst of contract negotiations, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Williams was a candidate to hold-in (i.e. not practice) while his reps and the team worked out a new contract, but the running back himself put those thoughts to bed in comments to the L.A. media. Williams told Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com that he'll take the field throughout training camp and even Week 1 if a new deal hasn't been agreed to. While the situation could change at some point, Williams remains the Rams' unquestioned No. 1 RB on the heels of back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns on the ground in which he also combined for 31 total touchdowns in 28 regular-season games during that span. Next up behind Williams on the depth chart are 2024 third-round pick Blake Corum and rookie fourth-rounder Jarquez Hunter.
Jul 22, 2025
Reports to camp
Williams reported for the start of training camp amid talks for a contract extension, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network notes that Williams could opt to hold-in and not actually practice. The running back participated in offseason activities, after Rams GM Les Snead said in march that he wanted to "engineer a long-term partnership" with Williams. The team did make significant investments in other running backs recently, taking Blake Corum in the third round of the 2024 Draft and Jarquez Hunter in the fourth round this year. Williams, meanwhile, is entering the final year of his rookie contract after back-to-back seasons with at least 1,350 yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns.
Jul 9, 2025
Looking more explosive
Rams running backs coach Ron Gould said recently that Williams is looking more explosive this offseason, Wyatt Miller of the team's official website reports.
ANALYSIS
"The first thing that stood out to us was his explosiveness," Gould said of Williams. "One of the things (I noticed) was just his ability to stay grounded through some of his runs that was really, really evident in the work that he's put in, so really, really pleased with that." Williams averaged a pedestrian 4.1 yards per carry on a career-high 316 rushes last season. That marked a significant dip from his 5.0 YPC mark from the previous season. Williams also fumbled a career-high five times. Still, the Rams and Williams' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, have reportedly been discussing an extension this offseason, but the sides have yet to hammer out an agreement. Williams is facing more backfield competition this season in the form of second-year back Blake Corum and rookie Jarquez Hunter. He's a risky early-round fantasy pick due to the lack of big play ability and proneness to turnovers.
Mar 31, 2025
Discussing extension
Rams GM Les Snead said Monday that he wants to "engineer a long-term partnership" with Williams, Gary Klein of the LA Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams has been a polarizing player in the fantasy sphere since his 2023 breakout, and that's unlikely to change after he dipped to 4.1 YPC in 2024 while fumbling six times (including once in the playoffs). He otherwise had another big year, ranking third in carries per game (19.8), sixth in rushing yards per game (81.2) and tied for fifth in rushing touchdowns (14), giving him 26 rushing scores and five receiving TDs in 38 regular-season games over the past two seasons. 2024 third-round pick Blake Corum never made a serious push to threaten Williams last season, and it sounds like the Rams would rather give Williams a contract extension than search for his replacement. Snead said he's already exchanged initial contract terms with agent Drew Rosenhaus.
Jan 19, 2025
Costly fumble in playoff exit
Williams rushed 19 times for 106 yards and caught one of two targets for minus-1 yard in Sunday's 28-22 NFC divisional-round loss to the Eagles. He also lost a fumble.
ANALYSIS
Williams set the tone early by picking up a fourth-and-1 from Philadelphia's 10-yard line with a four-yard run on the opening drive to set up a Tyler Higbee touchdown catch three plays later. The standout running back added a 30-yard run in the third quarter to set up a Joshua Karty field goal that tied the game at 13-13, but Williams lost a critical fumble with the Rams driving for a go-ahead score in the fourth quarter, kicking off a run of 12 consecutive Eagles points that proved too much for LA to overcome. Williams is scheduled to play the final season of his four-year rookie contract in 2025, but the 2022 fifth-round draft pick is an offseason extension candidate after racking up 2,831 scrimmage yards and 31 total touchdowns across the last two regular seasons.
Jan 14, 2025
Receiving TD in wild-card win
Williams rushed 16 times for 76 yards and secured all three targets for 16 yards and a touchdown in the Rams' 27-9 wild-card win over the Vikings on Monday night.
ANALYSIS
Williams served as the ideal complement to the efforts of Matthew Stafford through the air and the Rams' stellar defensive performance, helping move the chains on the ground and opening the scoring with a five-yard touchdown catch to cap off the opening possession of the contest. Williams looked refreshed after getting Week 18 off, but he'll have his work cut out for him in Sunday's divisional-round road matchup against an elite Eagles run defense.
Jan 3, 2025
Won't play Sunday
Williams will be held out of Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
Coach Sean McVay confirmed Friday that Williams and WRs Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp will be among the players rested Week 18, as will QB Matthew Stafford and multiple starting linemen. QB Jimmy Garoppolo, RB Blake Corum, WR Tutu Atwell and WR Jordan Whittington may be the focal points of the offense this Sunday.
Dec 31, 2024
Could sit out Week 18
Williams appears likely to sit out or handle a limited role in Sunday's game against the Seahawks, after head coach Sean McVay acknowledged Monday that the Rams are planning to rest key players in the regular-season finale, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports. "There's a handful of guys that could come to mind immediately, but I'm excited about seeing Blake Corum get a heavy workload," McVay said, when speaking about the Rams' approach for Week 18. "I'm excited to see what Cody Schrader is about. I've love
ANALYSIS
The Rams are assured at least the No. 4 seed in the NFC playoffs and can clinch the No. 3 seed with a win over Seattle, but McVay suggested that the team's main priority in Week 18 will be avoiding injuries to top contributors heading into the postseason. Though McVay didn't explicitly say that Williams will be held out Sunday, the coach's comments about Corum and Schrader imply that Williams will see only light snaps, if he's not a healthy inactive for the contest. With 316 carries and 34 receptions through 16 games, Williams' touch count this season ranks second to only Philadelphia's Saquon Barkley (345 carries, 33 catches) among all running backs, so it makes sense for the Rams to build in some maintenance for the 24-year-old ahead of the playoffs. Expect Williams to reclaim his normal three-down workhorse role during the Rams' wild-card game.
Dec 28, 2024
Scores again
Williams rushed the ball 13 times for 56 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 13-9 win over the Cardinals. He added three receptions on three targets for 16 yards.
ANALYSIS
The Rams had a tough offensive night and ran only 54 plays while possessing the ball for just 23:05. That left Williams with unusually low volume, as his 13 carries were his fewest since Week 2. Nevertheless, he turned in an efficient performance, highlighted by his 16th touchdown of the season, which came on a one-yard plunge into the end zone late in the second quarter. He's now scored in five of his last six games. Los Angeles' playoff status will become official Sunday, news that could dictate whether Williams sees a heavy workload in a potentially pivotal divisional Week 18 matchup against the Seahawks.
Dec 22, 2024
Second straight 15-TD season
Williams rushed 23 times for 122 yards and a touchdown while catching his only target for seven yards in Sunday's 19-9 win over the Jets.
ANALYSIS
Williams powered in his 15th total touchdown of the season on a two-yard run in the second quarter, matching his touchdown total from last season. He provided the majority of the Rams' offensive production as Matthew Stafford threw for only 110 yards in frigid conditions at MetLife Stadium. Williams has surpassed 100 rushing yards in three of his last four games after reaching that threshold only once through Week 12. The star running back will look to continue his late-season surge against the Cardinals in Week 17.
Dec 12, 2024
Another massive workload Thursday
Williams rushed 29 times for 108 yards and brought in both targets for four yards in the Rams' 12-6 win over the 49ers on Thursday night.
ANALYSIS
Williams accomplished the unlikely feat of recording 29 rush attempts for the second time in a four-day span, a testament to his ability to handle a true workhorse role while remaining productive. The third-year pro posted a new season-high single-game rushing yardage total in the process, as well as his third 100-yard effort of the campaign. Williams will now have some much-needed extra down time ahead of a Week 16 road battle against the Jets on Sunday, Dec. 22.
Dec 8, 2024
Handles 29 carries
Williams rushed the ball 29 times for 87 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 44-42 win over the Bills. He added two receptions on two targets for 10 yards.
ANALYSIS
Williams saw a season-high 29 rushing attempts, his first time topping 20 carries since Week 9. He wasn't very efficient, as he averaged only 3.0 yards per carry with his longest run going for 12 yards. However, volume was enough to carry Williams' fantasy performance, and he also supplemented his yardage with three and seven-yard rushing scores. He now has a touchdown in three straight contests and has at least 80 rushing yards in three of his last four games.
Dec 1, 2024
Best showing in 2024
Williams took 15 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown while catching his only target for nine yards in Sunday's 21-14 win over New Orleans.
ANALYSIS
Williams surpassed his previous best of 102 rushing yards against Green Bay in Week 5 in addition to scoring his 10th rushing touchdown of the season. The 2022 fifth-round gem accomplished these feats on just 15 carries, also setting a new high-water mark for yards per carry (6.9). Williams should continue to thrive as the Rams' lead tailback as the team prepares to host Buffalo next Sunday.
Nov 25, 2024
Positive fantasy game in loss
Williams rushed 12 times for 72 yards and a touchdown with two fumbles (one lost) and no targets as a receiver in Sunday's 37-20 loss to the Eagles.
ANALYSIS
Williams was outclassed by opposing running back Saquon Barkley (302 total yards and two scores), but the former still provided a decent fantasy score for managers Sunday. The Rams' starter commanded 16 of 17 backfield rushing attempts in the loss, tightening his grip on an every-down role as we inch towards the end of the regular season. Williams put two balls on the ground but only lost possession of one, resulting in his third lost fumble on the year. Expect the 23-year-old to see his usual minimum of 15-20 carries when the Rams visit the Saints next Sunday.
Nov 17, 2024
Efficient performance in victory
Williams rushed 15 times for 86 yards during Sunday's 28-22 victory against the Patriots.
ANALYSIS
For the third straight game, Williams was held out of the end zone, and he failed to record a catch for the second time this season. Despite the lack of scoring, Williams actually logged his highest YPC of the 2024 campaign (5.7) and backup Blake Corum continued to have a limited role on offense. The Eagles and their imposing defense are up next for the Rams in Week 12.
Nov 11, 2024
Produces off of 20 touches
Williams rushed 15 times for 62 yards and caught five of six targets for 20 yards in Monday's 23-15 loss to Miami.
ANALYSIS
Williams churned out another high-usage, modest-output game for the second week in a row. The fantasy stud had punched in 10 combined touchdowns prior to his two recent scoreless outings. Williams will look to get back into the end zone in Sunday's road tilt against the Patriots.
Nov 3, 2024
Turns 23 touches into 95 yards
Williams rushed 22 times for 69 yards while adding one reception for 26 yards in Sunday's 26-20 overtime win over Seattle.
ANALYSIS
Williams had to earn his yardage Sunday after churning out just 69 rushing yards on 22 carries. A long reception helped alleviated what would have been a rough fantasy day on the ground. The 23-year-old remains a strong fantasy play with 718 total yards and 10 touchdowns through eight games this season. Williams continues to serve as the primary back for the Rams heading into a Week 10 matchup against Miami next Monday.
Oct 24, 2024
Another heavy workload in win
Williams rushed 23 times for 97 yards and secured five of seven targets for 19 yards and a touchdown in the Rams' 30-20 win over the Vikings on Thursday night.
ANALYSIS
Williams once again shouldered the bulk of the Rams' ground work, with backup Blake Corum logging only four carries. While he fell just short of his second 100-yard effort of the campaign, Williams set a new season high in receptions and recorded his second receiving touchdown of 2024 on a five-yard catch in the first quarter that opened his team's scoring on the night. The fact Williams recorded a season-high 28 touches despite the returns of both Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) was certainly encouraging, and the third-year back should once again be a pivotal figure during the Rams' Week 9 road NFC West clash against the Seahawks on Sunday, Nov. 3.
Oct 20, 2024
Two trips to the end zone
Williams took 21 carries for 76 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 20-15 win over Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Williams was the star on offense for the Rams on Sunday after scoring both of his team's touchdowns en route to victory. The 2023 breakout star has continued his success from last season, scoring at least one touchdown in every game so far this season. Williams' nine combined trips to the end zone brought him into a tie with the Ravens' Derrick Henry for the league lead in touchdowns. The 23-year-old Williams faces a stiff test against Minnesota's defense on a short week this Thursday, but he remains a top fantasy option in every format.
Oct 6, 2024
Handles 23 touches
Williams rushed the ball 22 times for 102 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-19 loss to the Packers.
ANALYSIS
Williams has one of the most stable workloads in the league and that was on display Sunday as he topped 20 carries for the second time in his last three games. He also kept his touchdown streak alive with a one-yard touchdown plunge early in the second quarter, and he now has seven total touchdowns and at least one trip to the end zone in each game. While volume is the primary driver of Williams' fantasy value, he did add in a splash play with a 30-yard run midway through the first quarter -- his longest gain of the season and first gain of at least 20 yards of the season.
Sep 29, 2024
Fills typical workhorse role
Williams rushed 19 times for 94 yards and a touchdown and brought in all four targets for 10 yards in the Rams' 24-18 loss to the Bears on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Despite the loss, the game never got away from the Rams, so Williams was able to log a typically robust workload that a season high in rushing yards. Williams also tied his high-water mark in receptions, and he found the end zone for the sixth time overall in the first four games via a three-yard run on the first play of the fourth quarter. The third-year back has at least 18 carries in three of his first four contests, and he'll resume his quest for his first 100-yard game of the campaign when he faces a vulnerable Packers front in a Week 5 home matchup.
Sep 22, 2024
Three tuddies in upset victory
Williams rushed 24 times for 89 yards and two touchdowns while adding 27 yards and a third score on two receptions in Sunday's 27-24 win over San Francisco.
ANALYSIS
Williams pounded in his third and fourth rushing touchdowns of the season through three weeks in the Rams' first win of 2024. Los Angeles' lead back ceded just two touches to back up Ronnie Rivers, further cementing his status as a fantasy stud given the Rams' current lack of superstars on offense. Williams should be in everyone's starting lineups ahead of a Week 4 matchup against Chicago.
Sep 15, 2024
Contributes 52 yards plus TD
Williams rushed 12 times for 25 yards and a touchdown while catching four of five targets for 27 yards in Sunday's 41-10 loss to the Cardinals.
ANALYSIS
Williams led the Rams in touches for the second week in a row, scoring his second touchdown in as many games. The antithesis of a silver lining is that Williams is averaging just 2.5 yards per tote through two games. On top of that, rookie backup Blake Corum chipped into the 2023 fantasy breakout's workload with eight carries for 28 yards after being a healthy scratch in Week 1. Sunday's blowout nature might have affected the shift in touch distribution between the Rams' top two running backs. Williams remains the preferred fantasy option heading into a tough Week 3 matchup against the 49ers on Sunday.
Sep 9, 2024
Punches in TD on SNF
Williams rushed 18 times for 50 yards and a touchdown while catching all three targets for four receiving yards in Sunday's 26-20 overtime loss to the Lions.
ANALYSIS
Williams struggled on a per-touch basis (2.6 yards) in his first game following his 2023 breakout campaign. The positive news for the 23-year-old's fantasy managers was that one of his 21 combined touches hit pay dirt in addition to his domination of the backfield touches Sunday. Backup Ronnie Rivers saw two carries while rookie sleeper Blake Corum surprisingly did not see the field in a game during which the Rams lost a primary offensive weapon in Puka Nacua (knee). It appears Williams is in no threat of losing his status as a starter for both the Rams and fantasy GMs this season.
Aug 27, 2024
Expected to return punts
Williams is expected to operate as the Rams' punt returner to open the 2024 season, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams is coming off of a rather productive second professional season, registering 1,144 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 228 carries while also adding 32 catches for 206 yards and three scores through the air over 12 contests in 2023. In regards to him operating as a punt returner in 2024, head coach Sean McVay believes that having the ball in the running back's hands more often is a good thing saying that "it's another opportunity for him to get touches and impact the game." Williams is competing with rookie Blake Corum and Ronnie Rivers for touches out of the backfield with Los Angeles this season, though Williams is the clear cut No.1 option for the team.
Aug 24, 2024
Sits out preseason with starters
Williams (coach's decision) did not play in any of the Rams' preseason games in 2024.
ANALYSIS
Head coach Sean McVay held Williams and the rest of the starting unit out of exhibition play this season. The 2023 breakout fantasy star was dealing with a minor foot injury early in training camp, but he does not carry an injury designation heading into Week 1 of the regular season. The underlying concern for Williams' fantasy managers is if rookie third-round pick Blake Corum continues to impress the Rams' coaching staff and cuts into the starter's usage this season. Williams remains the No. 1 option for McVay's fast-paced offense after dropping 1,350 yards from scrimmage and 15 total touchdowns across 12 games last year.
Aug 16, 2024
Not expected to play Saturday
The Rams don't plan to play Williams or other key players in Saturday's preseason game against the Chargers, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
Coach Sean McVay suggested his plan will be similar to the preseason opener against Dallas, in which the Rams not only held out starters but also a lot of key backups, including rookie RB Blake Corum. McVay even said the list of rested players could be longer this time, so there's no reason to expect an appearance from starters like Williams and Cooper Kupp who are ticketed for huge roles come Week 1. There is some thought that Corum's presence will leave Williams with lighter workloads than he handled last year, but the third-year pro can afford to lose some work and still maintain considerable fantasy value, after averaging 19.0 carries and 4.0 targets in 12 appearances last year. Williams missed 12 games over his first two seasons, and there is some concern that missed time in 2024 would allow Corum to thrive in a lead role and complicate the Rams' backfield thereafter.
Jun 6, 2024
Gets back on practice field
Williams (foot) is participating in on-field workouts Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Williams missed most of OTAs due to a foot injury, but he's returned to the field for the final day of voluntary activities and appears to be handling on-field drills without limitations. Coach Sean McVay continuously downplayed the severity of Williams' injury, and it looks like the starting running back will indeed be ready to go for the start of mandatory minicamp June 10. The Rams could still opt to cap Williams' workload at practice if there are any concerns about his recovery, but it looks like he could be in position to handle the majority of first-team reps during minicamp, with rookie third-round pick Blake Corum, Boston Scott, Ronnie Rivers and Zach Evans working behind him.
May 29, 2024
Making progress with foot
Williams (foot) went through an up-tempo workout Tuesday with athletic trainers, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
While he won't practice at OTAs or minicamp, Williams at least is able to get out on the field and move around with the Rams' training staff. This would seem to support coach Sean McVay's recent comments downplaying the severity of Williams' foot injury, though it's worth noting that the running back suffered a broken foot in spring/summer 2022 shortly after the Rams took him in the fifth round of the 2022 Draft. McVay said Williams will miss offseason practices but return for training camp, at which point the third-year pro will take his spot atop the depth chart. His absences from practice this spring could open up first-team reps for third-round pick Blake Corum, 29-year-old Boston Scott and even Ronnie Rivers or Zach Evans.
May 21, 2024
Foot injury downplayed
Williams, who is dealing with a foot injury that he sustained while training this spring, per Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register, won't take part in the Rams' offseason program, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
That said, Barshop adds that coach Sean McVay has downplayed Williams' foot issue, noting that it's "nothing to worry about. He'll be ready to go for training camp." As the coming season approaches, the 2022 fifth-rounder remains atop the Rams' RB depth chart, with rookie third-rounder Blake Corum, Boston Scott, Ronnie Rivers and Zach Evans providing the team with backfield depth. Of the aforementioned backups, Corum could be the most notable threat to the 2024 workload of the 5-foot-9, 194-pound Williams.
Apr 29, 2024
Could lose some work to Corum
Rams coach Sean McVay said Saturday that third-round pick Blake Corum reminds him a lot of Williams (hand), Stu Jackson of the Rams' official website reports.
ANALYSIS
McVay isn't the first to make that comparison, and while it's arguably a compliment that the Rams sought out a similar player, it also means Williams could cede more work to backups than he did last year. The comparison between the two players is imperfect, with Corum being an inch shorter yet 11 pounds heavier (based on combine measurements) and having enjoyed a far more prolific college career in terms of rushing stats. On the other hand, Williams was much more active as a pass catcher in his college days, and he's since proven to be a quality player at the NFL level, scoring 15 TDs in 12 games last season while averaging a league-high 95.3 rushing yards per game. He thus figures to remain the lead back, though he now has much lower odds to match the massive snap shares he handled last season (90 percent or higher five times, 77 percent or higher nine times). The hand fracture Williams suffered in a playoff loss to Detroit shouldn't impact his preparation for 2024.
Jan 17, 2024
Undergoes procedure on hand
Head coach Sean McVay relayed Wednesday that Williams underwent a successful procedure Tuesday to repair a broken bone in his hand, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams, who suffered the injury in this past Sunday's 24-23 wild-card round loss to the Lions, will have plenty of time to recover before the Rams take the field again this coming spring. As the 2023 campaign approached, it was expected that Williams would work behind Cam Akers in the team's backfield. However, by Week 2, Williams moved into a starting role that resulted in the 2022 fifth-rounder logging 228 carries for 1,144 yard and 12 TDs, to go along with 32 catches (on 48 targets) for 206 yards and three receiving scores in 12 regular-season games. Looking ahead to the 2024 season, look for Williams -- who is under contract with Los Angeles through 2025 -- to maintain his lead role, though it remains to be seen how the rest of the team's running back depth chart shakes out, with 2023 sixth-rounder Zach Evans also set to return to the mix and Ronnie Rivers slated to be an exclusive rights free agent this offseason.
Jan 14, 2024
Hurts hand in playoff debut
Williams (hand) is questionable to return to Sunday's wild-card round game against the Lions.
ANALYSIS
Williams went back to the locker room in the fourth quarter to have the injury examined, leaving Ronnie Rivers as the top option in Los Angeles' backfield. Prior to the injury, Williams rushed 13 times for 61 yards and caught his lone target for nine yards in his playoff debut.
Jan 7, 2024
Inactive in Week 18
Williams (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Head coach Sean McVay had already revealed at the beginning of Week 18 prep that Williams would be held out for rest purposes in the regular-season finale, but the Rams still opted to list the second-year running back as doubtful on their final injury report. As anticipated, Williams is inactive for the contest, leaving Ronnie Rivers, Royce Freeman and Zach Evans as the team's available options out of the backfield Sunday. Williams will reprise his role as the Rams' lead back in the wild-card round, when Los Angeles plays a road game against a yet-to-be-determined opponent.
Jan 3, 2024
Sitting out in Week 18
Coach Sean McVay said Williams won't play Sunday in San Francisco, Greg Beacham of the Associated Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Along with Williams, quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp are among the healthy skill-position players for the Rams that won't see action Week 18. Williams thus will end his second season as a pro with 228 carries for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns and 32 catches (on 48 targets) for 206 yards and three more scores in 12 contests. His next game action will happen in the wild-card round of the playoffs.
Dec 31, 2023
Three TDs in Week 17 win
Williams rushed 20 times for 87 yards and three touchdowns while catching both of his targets for 14 yards in Sunday's 26-25 win over the Giants.
ANALYSIS
Williams opened the scoring with a four-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, then scored again from two yards out in the third before adding a 28-yard touchdown in the fourth. He's up to 12 rushing touchdowns in 12 games, and Williams has exceeded 100 scrimmage yards in each of his last seven appearances. The Rams can clinch a playoff spot if things break right for them in the remaining Week 17 games, but if Los Angeles still has something to play for Week 18, Williams would be a near automatic start against a 49ers team that has already clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Dec 22, 2023
Goes over 100-yard mark in win
Williams rushed 22 times for 104 yards and a touchdown in the Rams 30-22 win over the Saints on Thursday night.
ANALYSIS
Williams was his usual effective self on the ground, eclipsing the 100-yard mark for the third straight game and sixth time on the season. However, after four consecutive games with multiple catches, Williams wasn't targeted so much as once for only the second time this season. Despite that disappointing aspect of his night, Williams' rushing yardage total and 10-yard scoring run in the latter portion of the third quarter still led to a fruitful fantasy performance. The second-year back next takes aim at a porous Giants run defense in a Week 17 road matchup on New Year's Eve.
Dec 17, 2023
Racks up 157 total yards
Williams rushed the ball 27 times for 152 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 28-20 win over the Commanders. He added five receptions on seven targets for three yards and also lost two fumbles.
ANALYSIS
Williams jeopardized his day with two lost fumbles in the span of three offensive possessions in the second quarter, but he still earned at least 20 carries for the third consecutive game. He's also topped 100 rushing yards in three of his last four contests, and five gains of double-digit yards helped him reach that mark Sunday. On top of his strong yardage total, Williams tallied his fourth score in as many games with a one-yard run just before the end of the first half. He'll lead the Rams' backfield once again in a Week 16 matchup against the Saints.
Dec 10, 2023
Tops 100 rushing yards
Williams rushed the ball 25 times for 114 yards in Sunday's 37-31 loss to the Ravens. He added three receptions on four targets for negative one yards.
ANALYSIS
Williams continued to dominate opportunity out of the Los Angeles backfield, accounting for 25 of the 28 rushing attempts by the team's running backs. His longest gain of the day went for 14 yards, but he was able to grind his way to his fourth 100-yard rushing performance of the season and second in three games since he returned from a knee injury. Williams appears to be locked into one of the best roles in the league, and he'll face a weak Commanders' run defense in Week 15.
Dec 4, 2023
Gets into end zone again
Williams carried the ball 21 times for 88 yards and a touchdown and caught three of five targets for 24 yards in Sunday's 36-19 win over the Browns.
ANALYSIS
The second-year RB continues to show a nose for the end zone, and Williams has 10 total TDs (seven rushing, three receiving) in only eight games this season. He's also topped 100 scrimmage yards in three straight contests, although he spent four games on IR in the middle of that streak due to an ankle injury. Despite the time he's missed, Williams is just 123 scrimmage yards shy of reaching 1,000 for the first time in his career heading into a Week 14 clash with the Ravens.
Nov 26, 2023
Spectacular showing in return
Williams (ankle) rushed 16 times for 143 yards and brought in all six targets for 61 yards and two touchdowns in the Rams' 37-14 win over the Cardinals on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
The second-year back looked more effective than ever in his return from a four-game stay on injured reserve, compiling a career-high rushing yardage total while also bringing in scoring grabs of 15 and three yards. Williams' reception total also led the Rams on the afternoon and tied the versatile back's season high. Williams clearly looks completely back to full health after ripping off multiple explosive runs, including a game-high 56-yarder, and he'll next take aim at an inconsistent Browns run defense in a Week 13 home matchup.
Nov 25, 2023
Good to go
Williams (ankle) was activated off injured reserve Saturday and is good to go for Sunday's matchup with the Cardinals, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams was trending in this direction, as he logged a full workload at practice throughout the week. The presumption is he will settle back in as the Rams' lead back, though head Coach Sean McVay indicated to Cameron DaSilva of USA Today he is mindful of taking some snaps off the second-year back's plate in order to ease him back into the swing of things. Thus, Royce Freeman is expected to operate as the No. 2 option in Los Angeles' backfield. Williams had played at least 73 percent of the snaps in each of his first five games as a starter prior to landing on IR.
Nov 24, 2023
Turns in week of full practices
Williams (ankle) was listed as a full practice participant Friday for the third day in a row and doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game in Arizona, though the Rams haven't yet activated him from injured reserve, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams was designated for return from IR after missing each of the Rams' last four games, but his ability to resume practicing the first week he was eligible to do so while facing no restrictions suggests he'll be added back to the 53-man roster before Saturday's 4 p.m. ET deadline for Week 12 transactions. In his looming return to action Sunday, Williams should settle back in as the Rams' lead back, though head coach Sean McVay told Cameron DaSilva of USA Today that he's mindful of taking some snaps off the second-year player's plate in an effort to ease him in. "I think we want to be able to give him a good workload, but I think that was something we had identified [previously]," McVay said of Williams, who will be backed up by Royce Freeman on Sunday. "Exactly what that balance looks like, you want to be able to ride the hot hand, you want to make sure that you're able to get him in the flow of the game, but 95 percent is something that we definitely want to be mindful of taking some snaps off him." Will
Nov 23, 2023
Logs another full practice
Williams (ankle) practiced fully Thursday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams remains on injured reserve, but after back-to-back uncapped sessions to kick off Week 12 prep, he's drawing ever closer to returning to action from the sprained left ankle that so far has forced four straight absences. The Rams may list him with no designation on their final injury report of the week Friday, but they also don't need to activate him from IR until Saturday afternoon in order for him to have a chance to play Sunday in Arizona. Perhaps other moves that the team makes in the coming days will signal that Williams will be back (or not), like potentially elevating Darrell Henderson from the practice squad. In the end, Williams seems like a good bet to be available this weekend.
Nov 22, 2023
Logs full practice Wednesday
Coach Sean McVay said Williams (ankle) will be a full practice participant Wednesday, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
On the same day in which the Rams designated Williams for return from injured reserve, Williams "looked like he was full speed during walkthrough just now," per McVay. The team likely will want Williams to string together multiple uncapped practices before activating him from IR, but he seems poised to miss the minimum four games while on the list due to a sprained left ankle. L.A. will need to get Williams back on the active roster by Saturday afternoon for him to have a chance to play Sunday at Arizona.
Nov 22, 2023
Designated to return from IR
Williams (ankle) was officially designated to return from IR on Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Williams is thus slated to practice Wednesday and is in line to be available for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, barring any setbacks. In his looming return to action, Williams appears poised to claim a key role in the Rams' backfield in Week 12, with Royce Freeman and Zach Evans also in the mix after the team parted ways with Darrell Henderson on Tuesday.
Nov 20, 2023
In line to return Week 12
Coach Sean McVay said Monday that the Rams expect Williams (ankle) to be available for Sunday's game in Arizona, Greg Beacham of the Associated Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams has spent the minimum four games on injured reserve as he recovers from the sprained left ankle that he suffered back in Week 6. The Rams will need to designate him for return from IR in order for him to practice, which they likely will do ahead of Wednesday's session. Once that procedural move is out of the way, Williams' listing on the team's injury reports Wednesday through Friday should give a good indication of his current level of health. Assuming he's close to 100 percent, he seemingly would take on a majority share of L.A.'s backfield Week 12, with Royce Freeman and Darrell Henderson in reserve.
Nov 7, 2023
Expected back Week 12
Coach Sean McVay said Tuesday he expects Williams (knee) to return from IR in time to suit up versus the Cardinals in Week 12, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams' earliest eligible return date from injured reserve is Week 12, and it looks like he's indeed on that track and without any setbacks in his recovery. Los Angeles currently has a bye and will then take on the Seahawks in Week 11, which will give Darrell Henderson and Royce Freeman another chance to lead the backfield, but on the road at Arizona on Nov. 26 it appears Williams will be back in the mix. It remains to be seen, however, whether Williams will immediately regain his No. 1 role when healthy enough to play, or whether he will return to a committee situation.
Oct 21, 2023
Surprisingly goes to IR
Williams (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Head coach Sean McVay didn't seem optimistic Williams would return relatively quickly following an ankle injury in Sunday's win over the Cardinals, but the initial reports didn't seem to indicate the second-year back would need a stint on injured reserve. As a result, Williams won't be eligible to return until Week 12 all the way at the end of November. It's unclear who will step up and assume the larger share of what figures to be a significant backfield-by-committee as the likes of Zach Evans, Royce Freeman, Myles Gaskin and likely practice-squad elevation Darrell Henderson all figure to see some work in the ensuing weeks.
Oct 18, 2023
No activity Wednesday
Williams (ankle), whom coach Sean McVay said Wednesday won't play Sunday against the Steelers, officially didn't practice to begin Week 7 prep, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.
ANALYSIS
There's an expectation that Williams will miss multiple weeks due to a sprained ankle that he suffered this past Sunday against the Cardinals, so his lack of activity shortly after the injury wasn't much of a surprise. However, he was spotted with a cast on his left ankle and also needed a scooter to get around during Wednesday's session, per Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register. With Ronnie Rivers' (knee) placement on injured reserve as of Wednesday, the Rams now are down their top two running backs for at least one game, leaving rookie sixth-rounder Zach Evans as the team's likely No. 1 RB moving forward. Behind Evans, L.A. has Royce Freeman and Myles Gaskin on the active roster and Darrell Henderson on the practice squad.
Oct 18, 2023
Won't play this week
Williams (ankle) will not play Sunday against the Steelers, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Earlier reports suggested Williams likely would miss multiple games and return either Week 9 or Week 11 (the Rams have a Week 8 bye). Sean McVay didn't elaborate much Wednesday but did confirm that Williams will miss this week's game. Fellow running back Ronnie Rivers (knee) is headed for injured reserve, leaving the Rams with Zach Evans, Myles Gaskin and Royce Freeman in the backfield.
Oct 18, 2023
Multi-week absence expected
Williams (ankle) is expected to miss multiple contests but be back on the field after the Rams' Week 10 bye at the latest, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams looks like he could miss significant time due to an ankle injury sustained during Sunday's 26-9 victory against the Cardinals. If he were indeed to remain sidelined until after Los Angeles' bye week, he would be in line to miss three games before returning to action Nov. 19 against the Seahawks. With backup Ronnie Rivers (knee) expected to miss 4-to-5 weeks due to an injury of his own, the Rams' lead backfield role could thus be up for grabs with matchups against the Steelers, Cowboys and Packers on deck. Rookie sixth-round pick Zach Evans, Royce Freeman and Myles Gaskin are currently the only healthy backs on the active roster, while the team recently re-signed Darrell Henderson to the practice squad.
Oct 16, 2023
Expected to miss Week 7
Williams (ankle) is expected to miss Sunday's game against the Steelers due to a sprained ankle, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams underwent an MRI on Monday, which has now diagnosed him with an ankle sprain. While the injury is expected to sideline him Week 7, the belief is that Williams isn't dealing with a long-term issue. Considering that backup Ronnie Rivers (knee) is also at risk of missing time, though, Los Angeles' backfield depth could be significantly depleted versus Pittsburgh. Rookie sixth-round pick Zach Evans is the only other healthy back currently on the active roster, while veteran journeyman Royce Freeman could be called up from the practice squad.
Oct 16, 2023
Set for MRI
Williams (ankle) will undergo an MRI on Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams will receive an MRI to diagnose the ankle injury he sustained during Sunday's 26-9 victory against the Cardinals, in which he handled 20 carries for a career-high 158 yards and a touchdown. The second-year pro left Sunday's game without a boot, but until his MRI results are in it will be impossible to estimate how much, if any, time Williams will have to miss while getting healthy. Meanwhile, backup Ronnie Rivers (knee) is expected to be dealing with a PCL sprain and will also receive an MRI.
Oct 15, 2023
Career-high rushing yardage in win
Williams rushed 20 times for 158 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 26-9 victory against the Cardinals.
ANALYSIS
It was a tale of two halves for the Rams' lead back, as Williams only had two rushes for four yards after two quarters of action. The Rams came out in the third quarter and flipped the script, rushing the ball nine straight times with Williams accounting for 52 yards on the drive alone. From there, Williams showed off his explosiveness with a pair of lengthy rushes for 27 and 31 yards respectively and capped it off with a five-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to put an exclamation point on an exceptional day, his second in three weeks with over 100 yards on the ground. Williams did pick up an ankle injury at the end of the game, but coach Sean McVay told Bridget Condon of NFL Network afterward that "I think he's going to be good. Just got his ankle tweaked at the end." It'll be something that fantasy managers should still keep an eye on with backup Ronnie Rivers (knee) also exiting the contest.
Oct 8, 2023
Fifteen touches Sunday
Williams rushed 13 times for 53 yards and caught both of his targets for four yards during Sunday's 23-14 loss to the Eagles.
ANALYSIS
Williams' rushing line was very similar to his first two games of the season aside from a lack of touchdowns, but his receiving numbers took a substantial hit with the return of Cooper Kupp to the fold. The team may have been cautious with their primary running back as he nursed a hip injury through the week, and the Eagles are also more susceptible to the pass than the run, which could help explain the dip in Williams' production. An inviting matchup against a soft Cardinals rush defense in Week 6 offers a prime chance for Williams to bounce back to form.
Oct 6, 2023
Cleared to play
Williams (hip) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against Philadelphia.
ANALYSIS
Williams hurt his hip in an overtime win over the Colts last week but was never expected to miss Sunday's matchup with Philadelphia. He progressed from non-participation Wednesday to limited Thursday to a full practice Friday to close out the week. Ronnie Rivers took 11 touches for 57 yards last week, but overall Williams had dominated his team's RB snaps, carries and targets in a way that few other backs around the league can claim. It's the type of workload that keeps him on the RB1 map even with the Rams potentially down two starting offensive linemen -- RG Joe Noteboom - out, LT Alaric Jackson - questionable -- against one of the better defensive fronts in the league.
Oct 5, 2023
Returns to limited practice
Williams (hip) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.
ANALYSIS
A sore hip sidelined Williams in the first session of Week 5 prep Wednesday, but he's now made some headway through the health concern one day later. Friday's practice and the injury report that follows will unveil whether or not he heads into the weekend with a designation for Sunday's game versus the Eagles. Through four contests this season, Williams has paced the Rams backfield with 64 carries and 11 catches, which he's turned into 346 yards from scrimmage and six total touchdowns.
Oct 5, 2023
Practicing Thursday
Williams (hip) took part in Thursday's practice, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams' activity level won't be known until the Rams post their second injury report of Week 5 prep, but his presence on the practice field Thursday is a step in the right direction after he missed Wednesday's session due to a sore hip. Even if Williams is unable to log a full practice by week's end, there's an expectation from coach Sean McVay that the running back should be able to suit up Sunday against the Eagles, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com.
Oct 4, 2023
DNP on Wednesday precautionary
Coach Sean McVay said that Williams (hip) won't participate in Wednesday's practice, but the absence is precautionary, as the running back is expected to play Sunday versus the Eagles, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports
ANALYSIS
Williams is coming off a career-best performance that included 127 yards from scrimmage and two rushing TDs on 28 touches this past Sunday at Indianapolis. On Monday, McVay told Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site that Williams was tending to a bruised hip, which now is keeping him out of practice to kick off Week 5 prep. If McVay's comments Wednesday are taken at face value, Williams should mix into drills again Thursday and/or Friday, but there's a chance the second-year pro enters the weekend with a designation.
Oct 2, 2023
Dealing with hip injury
Coach Sean McVay said Monday that Williams suffered a bruised hip during Sunday's overtime win in Indianapolis, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams put together the most productive performance of his career Week 4, accumulating 127 yards from scrimmage and two rushing TDs on 28 touches. He also emerged from the contest with a health concern, which may result in some limitations in practice this week. Williams' status thus bears monitoring ahead of a Week 5 matchup with the Eagles on Sunday.
Oct 1, 2023
Bounces back with two TD day
Williams rushed 25 times for 103 yards and two touchdowns and caught all three of his targets for 24 yards during Sunday's 29-23 overtime win versus the Colts. He also fumbled once.
ANALYSIS
A week after earning just 10 rushing attempts against the Bengals, the Rams went heavy on the run against a lackluster Colts defense and were rewarded with Williams netting a career-high in rushing attempts and yardage. The second-year back scored both of his touchdowns in the first quarter, and unlike the previous game, backup Ronnie Rivers saw a fair amount of touches of his own. Williams will face a stiff test in Week 5 against an Eagles defense that has been particularly sturdy against the run.
Sep 25, 2023
Uninspiring performance in defeat
Williams rushed 10 times for 38 yards and caught two of seven targets for 27 yards during Monday's 19-16 loss to the Bengals.
ANALYSIS
Despite being gashed for 151.2 yards per game over the first two games of the season, the Rams chose to shy away from the run, with Williams logging just 10 attempts with a long run of nine yards. Williams also was unable to jell with Matthew Stafford as a receiver, as the offense as a whole sputtered out through the majority of the game. No other back on the Rams received a single touch on offense, however, a sign that coach Sean McVay trusts Williams to be a three-down workhorse for the time being. The Colts are up next in Week 4, and have been fairly stingy against the run so far this year with backs averaging just 3.5 YPC against them through three games.
Sep 17, 2023
Leads backfield with two-score day
Williams rushed 14 times for 52 yards and a touchdown while adding six receptions (10 targets) for 48 yards and another score in Sunday's 30-23 loss to the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
Williams took over as the Rams' lead back after Cam Akers (coach's decision) was listed as inactive prior to kickoff. The 2022 fifth-round pick took full advantage of the opportunity and turned 20 touches into 100 yards and two combined scores. With Akers seemingly out of the picture, Williams should see the lion's share of carries and backfield targets moving forward, starting with next Monday's tilt against the Bengals.
Sep 17, 2023
Confirmed for lead role Sunday
Williams will serve as the Rams' lead back for Sunday's game against the 49ers, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com.
ANALYSIS
The Rams will make Cam Akers inactive for the contest and could look into trading him away after he managed just 29 yards on 22 carries while playing 33 percent of the offensive snaps in Los Angeles' season-opening win over Seattle. Williams, who worked behind Akers in Week 1 but played 67 percent of snaps and finished with 15 carries for 52 yards and two touchdowns and also drew two targets, should now get a chance to build on that performance. Though the matchup with a stingy San Francisco defense isn't an ideal one for fantasy purposes, Williams' season-long outlook should see a big boost if Akers remains out of the backfield mix in the weeks to come.
Sep 17, 2023
Could handle lead role Sunday
Williams is expected to serve as the Rams' lead back Sunday against the 49ers after Jay Glazer reported on "Fox NFL Sunday" that Cam Akers will be a healthy inactive for the contest.
ANALYSIS
The Rams reportedly intend to entertain trading Akers, something they did last season before both parties were ultimately able to agree to a reunion. However, after Akers mustered just 29 yards on 22 carries in the Rams' Week 1 win over the Seahawks, he appears to have fallen out of favor again. Williams, meanwhile, carried 15 times for 52 yards and touchdowns while going without a reception on two targets. He looks worthy of a spot in fantasy lineups this week while he should have a clear path to plenty of volume out of the backfield.
Sep 10, 2023
Strong start to 2023
Williams rushed 15 times for 52 yards and two touchdowns while failing to catch either of his targets in Sunday's 30-13 win over the Seahawks.
ANALYSIS
Williams finished the game as the Rams top rusher despite seeing seven fewer carries than starter Cam Akers (22-29-1). The latter's struggles re-opened the door for a potential committee approach, which would boost Williams' fantasy value while hurting Akers'. The 2022 fifth-round pick is worth a speculative add, but a wait-and-see approach is recommended before playing him against a tough 49ers' defense Sunday.
Aug 21, 2023
Yet to see preseason action
Williams hasn't seen action in either of the Rams' first two preseason games.
ANALYSIS
The same applies to the Rams' presumed top back Cam Akers, which has given the trio of Zach Evans, Royce Freeman and Ronnie Rivers opportunities to log exhibition carries as they compete for depth slotting in the team's backfield. Jourdan Rodrigue of the Athletic previously noted that Williams, who dealt with injuries as a rookie last season, look good in both the run and pass game in training camp and based on the team's current roster composition, the 2022 fifth-rounder looks poised to approach the coming season in a position to handle complementary work as Akers' understudy.
Jan 13, 2023
Earns 44 total touches as rookie
Williams rushed 35 times for 139 yards and caught nine passes for 76 yards during the 2022 season.
ANALYSIS
The fifth-round rookie's season was defined by a pair of injuries that kept him from unlocking his full potential. In June, Williams suffered a broken foot that cost him most of the preseason. Then, in Week 1, Williams sustained a high-ankle sprain that kept him off the field until Week 10. While Williams was given a fairly high snap share through the first few weeks after his return, a resurgent Cam Akers quickly sapped the usage rates of all other backs on the roster, culminating in Akers finishing Week 18 as the only back to see offensive snaps. Williams returns for his sophomore campaign as the current No. 2 back on the roster, but Akers has played his way into the clear starting role for 2023, which may limit the upside of the Notre Dame product.
Jan 2, 2023
Dismal usage in loss
Williams rushed twice for six yards during Sunday's 31-10 loss to the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
Williams set a season low in snap count, with just three offensive snaps during a game where Cam Akers continued to rejuvenate his career with a stellar 19-123-0 rushing line. More concerning for fantasy managers, Akers is also taking over as the passing down back in recent weeks, an area where Williams was expected to excel. Williams has just two receptions for 13 yards in his previous five games combined, while Akers boasts eight receptions for 75 yards in the same span. The Rams will be looking to play spoiler to the Seahawks in the season finale, but Akers will likely retain his role as a three-down back, relegating Williams to a pittance of touches once again.
Dec 26, 2022
Ineffective in limited playing time
Williams rushed six times for 18 yards and caught his only target for three yards during Sunday's 51-14 victory against the Broncos.
ANALYSIS
Williams saw just eight snaps on offense, yet earned seven touches on those limited snaps. A second-quarter drive saw the rookie get his number called on three consecutive plays, highlighted by a seven-yard run up the middle. Williams was a clear second fiddle to a resurgent Cam Akers (23-118-3), and with the Rams wanting to give Akers the opportunity to claim the backfield for his own in 2023, Williams will likely continue to see little playing time through the Rams' final two games.
Dec 20, 2022
Tallies just two touches
Williams rushed twice for seven yards in Monday's 24-12 loss to the Packers.
ANALYSIS
Williams only took the field for four snaps in another forgettable performance for the rookie, while Cam Akers tallied 100 total yards of offense between his 15 touches. Any optimism for a Williams breakout during the latter half of the season has been dashed with Akers reclaiming his role as the lead back, and a Week 16 matchup against an imposing Denver defense will make it a tall task to trust Williams in fantasy lineups.
Dec 9, 2022
Four touches in win
Williams rushed three times for 19 yards and secured one of two targets for 10 yards in Thursday's 17-16 victory against the Raiders.
ANALYSIS
Despite only seeing eight less snaps than fellow running back Cam Akers, Williams was utilized far less and also ceded playing time to Malcolm Brown. Akers did commit a costly fumble in the second quarter that squashed a lengthy drive for the Rams, and that coincided with Williams getting his first touches of the game on the Rams' first drive of the second half. The Rams get one of the softest run defenses in the league in Green Bay for Week 15, which combined with Akers having another lackluster rushing performance (12-42-1) may give Williams some hope for brighter days ahead.
Dec 5, 2022
Sharp decline in playing time
Williams rushed three times for nine yards and failed to secure his only target during Sunday's 27-23 loss against the Seahawks.
ANALYSIS
The Rams saw six different players record a rushing attempt on Sunday, and Williams finished fifth on the team in rushing yardage, only besting backup quarterback Bryce Perkins, who only took the field for a single snap. Cam Akers led the team with a 17-60-2 line and was on the field for 72 percent of the Rams' offensive snaps, compared to just 28 percent for Williams, who has seemingly fallen to the clear No. 2 role in one of the weakest offensive units in the league. This development makes it difficult to trust the rookie running back in fantasy lineups, with the Raiders next on the docket for a Thursday night matchup in Week 14.
Nov 27, 2022
Modest numbers against KC
Williams carried the ball 11 times for 35 yards and caught all three of his targets for 25 yards in Sunday's 26-10 loss to Kansas City.
ANALYSIS
He saw the most carries of any Rams player, but both Cam Akers (37) and quarterback Bryce Perkins (44) produced more rushing yards on their totes. Williams did make up for it by tying for the team lead in receptions, however. With the Los Angeles offense in complete disarray, neither Williams nor Akers figures to have much fantasy appeal in Week 13 against the Seahawks -- even against a defense that just coughed up over 300 combined yards to Josh Jacobs.
Nov 23, 2022
Expanded role likely
Williams is in line for more playing time in the Rams' backfield after the team waived Darrell Henderson on Tuesday, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams had already staked a healthy claim in terms of snap counts prior to Henderson's departure, playing a total of 50 snaps over his first two games since returning from a high-ankle sprain, more than Henderson (38) and Cam Akers (34). The rookie has flashed some promise with some lengthy gains in limited rushing attempts, while also showing off his receiving chops with four receptions for 38 yards. The start of the Rams' two-man running back committee will likely see Akers take over as lead back after putting up a solid 61 rushing yards on just 14 attempts in Week 11, but with the Rams likely to be playing from behind often for the remainder of the season, Williams may be called on for his pass-catching abilities more often than not and may actually be the more desirable back to roster.
Nov 21, 2022
Eight total touches in loss
Williams rushed seven times for 36 yards and caught one of two targets for eight yards in Sunday's 27-20 loss to the Saints.
ANALYSIS
Williams led the Rams' backfield in snap share, staying on the field for 35 snaps. That usage was more than Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson combined, and Williams used the opportunity to break off a 17-yard scamper in the third quarter that led to a Matt Gay field goal. While it may be hard to rely on any running back for the Rams from a fantasy perspective, Williams saw his playing time effectively double between Week 10 and 11, and the rookie may get more time to carve out a role with the Rams on the brink of a lost season.
Nov 14, 2022
Three catches in season debut
Williams rushed once for nine yards and caught all three of his targets for 30 yards in Sunday's 27-17 loss to the Cardinals.
ANALYSIS
Williams didn't accumulate any stats until the final drive of the game, and only took the field for 16 offensive snaps. The rookie out of Notre Dame was able to showcase his pass-catching ability on the final drive with three receptions, and recorded 39 total yards with his limited usage. Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson combined for just 43 rushing yards on 12 attempts, and Henderson scored the only touchdown between the trio of running backs. The continued lackluster play of Akers and Henderson may provide Williams with more opportunities heading into a Week 11 matchup with the Saints, although it will be hard to trust any of the trio to have much of a fantasy impact with so many mouths to feed in the backfield.
Nov 12, 2022
Set to go
Williams (ankle) was activated off injured reserve Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Head coach Sean McVay made it known Williams would make his debut following a seven-game absence. The Notre Dame product couldn't have made his return at a better time as the Rams' running game has struggled recently. Expect Darrell Henderson and Cam Akers to both mix in alongside Williams, who figures to be the team's top pass-catching running back immediately.
Nov 11, 2022
Will be activated
Coach Sean McVay said the Rams will activate Williams (ankle) from injured reserve before Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Stu Jackson of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The transaction will need to become official Friday or Saturday for William to suit up Sunday. He's been practicing with the team since Oct. 26, after suffering a high ankle sprain on special teams in the season opener, and the rookie may now get his shot on offense given the unsettled state of the Rams' backfield.
Nov 9, 2022
Could play this week
Coach Sean McVay said Wednesday that Williams (ankle) has a good shot to play Sunday against the Cardinals, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The Rams designated the rookie to return from IR on Oct. 26, opening a 21-day window where he can either be reinstated to the active roster or ruled out for the rest of the season. They technically can keep Williams out for another game and then activate him next week, but it sounds like McVay expects him to be ready by Sunday. The fifth-round pick makes for an interesting bench stash in fantasy leagues given the unsettled nature of the Rams' backfield.
Nov 5, 2022
Still not ready
Williams (ankle) was not activated off injured reserve Saturday and thus will not play in Week 9.
ANALYSIS
There was some optimism the 2022 fifth-round pick would make his season debut Sunday, but that will have to wait another week as the Rams opted not to activate the rookie Saturday. In his stead a combination of Ronnie Rivers, Darrell Henderson, Malcolm Brown and possibly even Cam Akers could shoulder a backfield load that has yielded very little results as of late. The Rams still have a little over two weeks left on the 21-day window to activate Williams before he's placed back on injured reserve for the remainder of the year.
Nov 4, 2022
No decision yet on activation
Coach Sean McVay hasn't made a decision on if the Rams will activate Williams (ankle) from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game at Tampa Bay, Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Such a decision may be contingent on Cam Akers' situation after he rejoined his teammates at practice Thursday after a two-game absence for personal reasons. If Akers is deemed to be a suitable part of the game plan and the team believes another week will Williams that much healthier, the latter may not return to the active roster by Saturday's 4:00 p.m. deadline. However, in the event Williams is activated and available this weekend, he'll join some combination of Darrell Henderson, Malcolm Brown, Akers and practice squad member Ronnie Rivers out of the backfield.
Oct 31, 2022
Could return from IR for Week 9
Coach Sean McVay said Monday that Williams (ankle) may be activated from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game at Tampa Bay, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams has been recovering from a high-ankle sprain that he sustained Week 1 and resided on IR since then. After the Rams designated him to return last Wednesday, he managed a pregame workout before this past Sunday's loss to the 49ers. With Cam Akers (personal) on the trade block, the composition of L.A.'s backfield is up in the air at the moment, with all of Darrell Henderson, Malcolm Brown and practice squad member Ronnie Rivers getting in the mix Week 8. If Williams is able to join them Week 9, he could play an immediate role on passing downs.
Oct 30, 2022
Not quite ready to play
Though Williams (ankle) won't play Sunday against the 49ers, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic relays that the running back was spotted "getting a pretty good workout in down on the field" prior to the contest.
ANALYSIS
The Rams designated Williams (ankle) for return from injured reserve Wednesday, but the running back isn't quite ready to suit up at this stage. However, Sunday's report suggests that he's trending in the right direction and it's possible that Williams could be activated ahead of next weekend's game against the Buccaneers.
Oct 28, 2022
Not expected to play this week
Coach Sean McVay suggested Friday (ankle) that Williams won't be activated for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams was designated Wednesday to return from injured reserve, opening a 21-day window for the Rams to activate him or put him back on IR for the rest of the season. They may bring him back as soon as Week 9 at Tampa Bay, as the current backfield situation is less than optimal with Cam Akers still sidelined for non-injury reasons and a candidate to be traded. Darrell Henderson (illness) and Malcolm Brown figure to lead the way Sunday against the Niners.
Oct 26, 2022
Back at practice Wednesday
The Rams designated Williams (ankle) for return from injured reserve Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Williams suffered a high-ankle sprain on his only snap Week 1 and has been sidelined in the meantime. L.A. now has a 21-day window to evaluate the rookie fifth-round pick and determine when (or if) a return to action is possible. If he gets back on the active roster, Williams may be able to mix into the backfield behind Darrell Henderson with Cam Akers' (personal) status with the team up in the air.
Oct 24, 2022
Return to practice looming
Rams head coach Sean McVay said Monday that the team may be able to start discussing Williams (ankle) return from injured reserve following Week 8, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams picked up a high-ankle sprain during the season opener and has been sidelined since. He was given a 6-to-8 week return timetable, so he appears to be right on track, though McVay's comments were far from definitive. Once Williams returns to practice, he'll have a 21-day period to be added to the active roster, or he'll revert back to IR for the remainder of the season.
Sep 13, 2022
Lands on IR with sprained ankle
The Rams placed Williams (ankle) on their injured reserve list Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
Williams suffered a high-ankle sprain Thursday versus Buffalo and is expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports. The move to the injured reserve list means he'll certainly miss at least the next four games. In his absence, Jake Funk could be in line for a few spare snaps at running back, and Brandon Powell will continue to operate as the Rams' primary kick returner.
Sep 9, 2022
To miss 6-to-8 weeks
Coach Sean McVay relayed Friday that Williams will undergo surgery on the high-ankle sprain he suffered during Thursday's loss to the Bills and miss 6-to-8 weeks, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams thus seems destined for injured reserve in the near future, and if he meets the minimum timeframe laid out by McVay, the rookie fifth-round pick likely won't be available until Sunday, Oct. 30 against the 49ers at the earliest. The Rams have a secure top two in their backfield in the form of Darrell Henderson and Cam Akers, with Jake Funk in a reserve role. Considering the team kept four running backs active Week 1, either Trey Ragas will be promoted from the practice squad, or outside options will be explored to shore up depth at the position.
Sep 9, 2022
Nursing high-ankle sprain
Williams suffered a high-ankle sprain during Thursday night's 31-10 loss to the Bills that is expected to sideline him 6-to-8 weeks, Field Yates of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
The Rams haven't yet officially confirmed the severity of Williams' injury, but if he's indeed suffered a high-ankle sprain, the rookie fifth-round pick will almost certainly end up on IR for at least four games. Given a 6-to-8 week recovery timetable, Williams' earliest chance to return would be after Los Angeles' bye in Week 7. Jake Funk will likely slot into the No. 3 backfield spot behind Darrell Henderson and Cam Akers as long as Williams is sidelined.
Sep 8, 2022
Injures ankle in opener
Williams suffered an ankle injury during Thursday's game versus the Bills, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams didn't make an impact in the box score before the Rams deemed him questionable to return. If Williams is unable to do so, Jake Funk will bump up the Rams' depth chart at running back behind Darrell Henderson and Cam Akers.
Aug 27, 2022
Likely to make team
Williams (foot) took warmups but didn't play in the Rams' third preseason game Saturday against the Bengals, Rams broadcaster J.B. Long reports.
ANALYSIS
The likeliest explanation for Williams' absence is that the Rams opted to hold the rookie out following a strong camp because he's already done enough to secure a roster spot. Confirmation on that front won't come until the Rams officially trim their roster down to 53 players, but assuming he makes the team, Williams could play a key role out of the gate if either Cam Akers (undisclosed) or Darrell Henderson (undisclosed) still isn't ready to play by the team's Sept. 8 season opener against Buffalo.
Aug 22, 2022
Ready to roll
Williams will play in the Rams' third preseason game against the Bengals on Saturday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams will also compete in joint practices, as he ramps up his workload in his recovery from the broken foot he suffered during OTAs. Selected in the fifth round of the 2022 Draft, Williams is expected to be competing with Jake Funk for the No. 3 spot on the Rams' running back positional depth chart.
Aug 17, 2022
Won't play Friday
Williams won't play in Friday's preseason game against the Texans, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams was activated from the PUP list last week, and it appears the team is exercising caution as he makes his way back from a broken foot he suffered in the offseason. The Rams traded up in the fifth round to select the 21-year-old running back for his ability as a pass catcher. With both Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson sidelined with soft-tissue injuries, both Williams and Jake Funk have received valuable practice reps this week. Coach Sean McVay said the rookie has done "a really good job," and there's a chance that he could play against the Bengals in Week 3 of the preseason. In the meantime, Williams and Funk will compete for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart for the 2022 campaign.
Aug 15, 2022
Sees added practice reps
With both Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson dealing with soft tissue injuries, Williams and Jake Funk took the main workload at Monday's practice, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Williams came off the PUP list last week and with the Rams' top two backs sidelined for the time being, he'll have a chance to get some valuable practice reps in the coming days and is a candidate to make his preseason debut Friday against the Texans. For now there's nothing to suggest that Akers or Henderson are in danger of missing regular season action, but until one or both are back on the field, Williams and Funk will have an opportunity to compete for the No. 3 spot on the team's backfield depth chart ahead of Week 1.
Aug 14, 2022
Status for Friday unceratin
Williams' (foot) status for Friday's preseason game against the Texans has yet to be determined.
ANALYSIS
The Rams activated Williams from the PUP list last Monday, but he didn't appear in the preseason opener. Initially, Los Angeles didn't expect the running back to return to full practices until Week 3 of the preseason, so it's possible they'll opt to keep him sidelined from game action until then. Regardless, it doesn't appear like he suffered a setback, so there shouldn't be too much concern if he misses another exhibition contest.
Aug 8, 2022
Activated from PUP
The Rams activated Williams (foot) from the active/PUP list Monday, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
This would seem to put the rookie ahead of schedule, with coach Sean McVay having previously said that Williams was expected to return to practice around the Rams' third preseason game. They haven't even played their first, and while he'll likely be eased into drills before actually practicing, this at least gives Williams a better shot to be ready for the preseason finale and/or Week 1. Earning a role is another matter altogether for the fifth-round pick, with the broken foot suffered in OTAs robbing him of most of his chances to make an impression. Williams thus seems most likely to start off at the bottom of the depth chart, or possibly even the practice squad once the regular season begins.
Jul 28, 2022
On track for preseason
Williams (foot) has a chance to make an appearance late in the preseason, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The rookie back is recovering from a broken foot he suffered during OTAs, and while he can't participate in drills at the moment because he's on the active/PUP list, he has been keeping tabs on his position group and getting extra feedback from Cam Akers, who returned from a torn Achilles of his own last season. Akers noted, "He'll be back on the field in a couple weeks, I think," which is another positive affirmation that Williams should return to the field in time for preseason action.