Trayveon Williams Injury News & Updates

Williams reverted to the Chargers' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Williams got his second elevation of the season ahead of Sunday's loss to the Jaguars. He worked as Los Angeles' No. 2 running back, logging 18 of the team's 48 offensive snaps (behind Kimani Vidal's 25 and Amar Johnson's four). Williams finished with three carries for minus-1 yard and caught his only target for zero yards. He also logged 12 snaps on special teams, returning one kick for 22 yards. The Chargers are on bye in Week 12, and rookie Omarion Hampton (ankle) has a chance to return in Week 13. Even if that happens, Williams may still get elevated again, as Vidal is currently the only healthy running back on Los Angeles' active roster.

The Chargers elevated Williams from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday.

Williams will join the Chargers' active roster for a second consecutive game to provide backfield depth for Kimani Vidal for Sunday's game against the Jaguars. Williams played solely on special teams during the Chargers' Week 10 win over the Steelers and returned two kickoffs for 51 yards in that contest, but he could share some backfield rotational snaps with fellow practice squad running back Amar Johnson.

Williams reverted to the Chargers' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

All 12 of Williams' snaps during Sunday's 25-10 win over the Steelers came on special teams, and he turned two kickoff returns into 51 yards. The 2019 sixth-rounder is eligible to be elevated from the Chargers' practice squad twice more this season, and his next promotion to the active roster could take place Week 11 against the Jaguars as Omarion Hampton (ankle), Hassan Haskins (hamstring) and Najee Harris (Achilles) are all on injured reserve.

The Chargers elevated Williams from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday.

Williams and fellow practice squad running back Jaret Patterson have both been elevated to the Chargers' active roster, and they will provide backfield depth behind Kimani Vidal against the Steelers on Sunday. Williams appeared in 17 regular-season games for the Bengals in 2024, though he mostly played on special teams and did not record a carry or target.

The Chargers signed Williams to the practice squad Tuesday.

Williams was cut from the Browns' practice squad in early September, but the 2019 sixth-rounder will get fresh start with the Chargers. He could be elevated to the active roster for Thursday's game against the Vikings if Hassan Haskins (hamstring) is not cleared to play. Williams appeared in 17 regular-season games for the Bengals in 2024, when he primarily served on special teams and did not record a carry or target.

The Browns cut Williams from the practice squad Tuesday.

The move makes room on the practice squad for defensive tackle Ralph Holley. Williams initially caught on with the Browns' scout team after failing to make the team's 53-man roster at the end of training camp, but the 2019 sixth-rounder will now look to catch on with an organization in need of backfield depth. He appeared in 17 regular-season games for the Bengals in 2024 and mostly served in a special-teams role.

Williams signed with Cleveland's practice squad Wednesday.

Williams and Ahmani Marshall will provide organizational depth at running back for the Browns. While Cleveland's depth chart at the position is uncertain, the Browns gained one more mouth to feed Wednesday when they claimed Raheim Sanders on waivers, adding him to the roster alongside Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson, as well as unsigned rookie Quinshon Judkins.

The Browns released Williams on Tuesday.

Williams was signed earlier this month to provide some backfield depth for training camp and the preseason. He logged 43 offensive snaps across three exhibitions and rushed seven times for 30 yards, adding five catches for 33 yards on eight targets. Williams turns 28 years old in October.

The Browns signed Williams to a contract Monday.

Williams was let go by the Patriots on Wednesday, but he now has the opportunity to earn a spot on the Browns' roster. The 2019 sixth-rounder spent the first six years of his NFL career with the Bengals and served as a special teams specialist in 2024, with only 10 of his 262 snaps coming on offense.

The Patriots released Williams on Wednesday.

Williams signed a one-year contract with the Patriots in May and was gunning for a spot on the 53-man roster as a backup running back, but he will have to look elsewhere for an opportunity. The 2019 sixth-round pick spent the first six years of his NFL career with the Bengals, though he primarily served on special teams in 2024 and did not record a single carry across 17 regular-season games.

The Patriots signed Williams a Wednesday.

Williams spent the first six seasons of his career with the Bengals and will now join the Patriots. He did record a single offensive touch during the 2024 campaign as he played almost exclusively on special teams and will likely have a similar role with New England should he make their final roster.

Williams played just one offensive snap in the Bengals' season finale against the Steelers and didn't have a carry or target, despite Chase Brown sitting the game out.

In fact, Williams didn't net a single carry nor target all season long, playing just 10 offensive snaps all season. He last had a kickoff return in Week 4 against the Panthers. Unless the Bengals value his kick and punt coverage, he's unlikely to be a part of their future.

Williams played all 13 of his snaps on special teams in Monday's 27-20 win over the Cowboys.

With trade-deadline pickup Khalil Herbert having now gotten fully up to speed with the Cincinnati offense, Williams' already muted role on offense has completely evaporated. He's seen all of his snaps on special teams in each of the Bengals' last three contests.

Williams played seven of the Bengals' 74 snaps on offense but didn't log any touches in Sunday's 41-24 win over the Raiders.

Through the Bengals' first eight games of the season, Williams' snaps had come exclusively on special teams, but he saw his first action on offense Week 9 with Zack Moss (neck) ruled out for the contest. Chase Brown started and dominated the snaps (59) while handling all of the running-back opportunities (27 carries, five receptions), leaving no touches for either Williams or practice-squad call-up Kendall Milton (five snaps). Moss is expected to miss the rest of the regular season due to his injury, but Williams could move back into a pure special-teams role Week 10 versus the Ravens after the Bengals acquired Khalil Herbert from the Bears on Tuesday. Herbert is expected to immediately step in as the top complement to Brown, who is still likely to take on heavy workloads in the weeks to come.

Williams played all 14 of his snaps on special teams in Sunday's 17-7 win over the Giants.

Williams has been active for each of the Bengals' first six games but still has yet to play a snap on offense. He'll remain out of the mix on offense as Cincinnati's No. 3 back while both Chase Brown and Zack Moss are healthy.

Williams played 14 snaps -- all on special teams -- in Monday's 38-33 loss to the Commanders.

Williams has been active for each of the Bengals' first three games, but he has yet to make his 2024 debut on offense while Cincinnati has turned to Zack Moss and Chase Brown to handle all the running-back snaps. His standing as a part-time kick returner and core member of the Bengals' special-teams coverage units should allow Williams to continue to suit up on a weekly basis, but he may not be guaranteed a substantial role out of the backfield even if one of Moss or Brown were to miss time.

The Bengals re-signed Williams on Thursday.

Williams has returned to the Bengals' 53-man roster after he was released Wednesday to make room for K.J. Henry, whom Cincinnati picked up off waivers. The sixth-year running back remains comfortably behind Chase Brown and Zack Moss on the Bengals' depth chart, so he's expected to be used primarily as a special-teamer in 2024.

Williams was released by the Bengals on Wednesday.

Williams made Cincinnati's initial 53-man roster Tuesday, only to subsequently get cut Wednesday to make room on the roster for edge rusher K.J. Henry, whom the Bengals claimed on waivers from Washington. Williams' departure leaves Zack Moss and Chase Brown as the only healthy running backs on Cincinnati's roster, and Charlie Jones may be tasked with returning kickoffs in addition to punts on special teams.

Williams had six carries for 22 yards and two catches for 19 yards in a preseason loss to the Bears on Saturday.

Williams got the start with Zack Moss and Chase Brown among the many Bengals rested. There's not much fantasy appeal to a 2019 sixth-round pick who has mostly played special teams to this point in his career, but Williams at least appears on track for a back-end roster spot after fellow running back Chris Evans suffered a season-ending knee injury a few days earlier.

Williams is signing a one-year contract to stay with the Bengals.

There was some discussion last offseason about Williams potentially replacing Samaje Perine as Cincy's No. 2 running back, but the 2019 sixth-round pick mostly ended up playing special teams a gain. Williams' 156 snaps on offense were easily a career high, but that equated to only 14.4 percent of the team total, whereas on special teams he took 64.2 percent of available snaps (294 overall). He has 77 touches for 381 yards and no touchdowns in 51 career games, and he'll likely be the third-string RB again in 2024.

Williams played in all 17 regular season games for the Bengals in 2023 but only recorded 15 carries for 69 yards and no touchdowns and seven catches for 10 yards and no scores.

The running back will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Williams signed a one-year deal with the Bengals before the 2023 campaign. The 2019 sixth-round pick has not yet scored a touchdown in five NFL seasons, all with Cincinnati.

Williams failed to record a single rush or target in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Steelers.

Williams played just eight snaps against the Steelers, which was his lowest total of the season. Sunday marked the fourth time that the veteran running back did not earn a carry in a contest this season. With that said, Cincinnati did not commit to the run in the game, as starter Joe Mixon recorded just eight rushes while quarterback Jake Browning handled three carries of his own. With Mixon cemented as the Bengals' top option out of the backfield, Williams has an uphill battle to earn more opportunities. Williams is nothing more than an insurance policy as the Bengals head into a Week 13 matchup with the Jaguars.

Williams had two carries for 20 yards while playing 17 offensive snaps in Thursday night's loss to the Ravens.

While Williams garnered a few more snaps than usual due to the Bengals' big deficit in the fourth quarter, that didn't translate to more touches because they were throwing the ball nearly every play. Chase Brown just got designated to return from IR, so in a week or two Williams might have more competition to back up Joe Mixon.

Williams reeled in his lone target for two yards and failed to record a single rushing attempt in Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Texans.

Williams was held without a carry for the third time this season, while starter Joe Mixon handled all running back rushes in the contest. The 26-year-old played just 14 of the Bengals' 64 offensive snaps Sunday while Mixon handled 47 snaps. Williams seems unlikely to challenge for more opportunities in the offense barring an injury to Mixon. With that said, the veteran should remain off the fantasy radar heading into a Week 11 matchup with the Ravens.

Williams had three carries for 13 yards in Sunday night's win over the Bills while playing 13 offensive snaps.

With the game result in question up until the very end, there were very few opportunities for Williams to make an impact offensively. He did however contribute 61 yards in kick returns.

Williams had two carries for six yards on 11 offensive snaps in Sunday's win over the Niners.

Even with Chase Brown on IR, there wasn't much room for Williams to make an impact. Only on a few occasions have the Bengals not used Joe Mixon as a three-down back, and Williams is unlikely to dislodge Mixon from that role.

Williams caught both of his targets for three yards in Sunday's 17-13 win over the Seahawks.

Williams failed to record a single rush in the contest while operating as the team's No. 2 running back. The veteran played just nine of the Bengals' 54 offensive snaps Sunday, limiting his usage behind starter Joe Mixon. Barring an injury to Mixon, Williams remains far off the fantasy radar heading into Cincinnati's Week 7 bye.

Williams rushed once for five yards in Sunday's 34-20 win over the Cardinals.

Williams handled just one carry for the third straight game Sunday. The veteran running back played just 12 of the Bengals' 82 offensive snaps, well behind starter Joe Mixon who saw the field for 63 snaps. Williams' lack of involvment keep him far off the fantasy radar barring an injury to Mixon. Next up, the Bengals will host the Seahawks in Week 6.

Williams handled one carry for four yards in Sunday's 27-3 loss to the Titans.

Despite operating as Cincinnati's No. 2 running back, Williams was unable to get involved in the game plan Sunday behind starter Joe Mixon. The fifth-year back played on just six of the Bengals' 53 offensive snaps in the contest, while Mixon handled 42 snaps. With such limited involvement, Williams' doesn't hold much fantasy utility, barring injuries. The Bengals are set to visit the Cardinals in Week 5.

Williams didn't log any carries and had two catches for four yards in Sunday's loss to the Ravens.

With Chris Evans inactive, Williams was the primary backup to Joe Mixon, even getting snaps on the first drive of the game. But with the Bengals trailing by two scores for most of the second half, there weren't many carries to spread around.

Williams played 15 offensive snaps in the Week 1 loss to the Browns, carrying the ball twice for seven yards.

Williams is currently third in line on the team for carries, with Joe Mixon getting the vast majority of opportunities. A big clue into why he was active and rookie Chase Brown was not were Williams's 25 snaps on special teams.

Williams and Chris Evans are slated to work behind Joe Mixon in Sunday's season opener against the Browns, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

Rookie fifth-rounder Chase Brown is a candidate to join the team's backfield mix as the season rolls along, but he's inactive for Week 1. As a result, Williams and Evans are in line to handle complementary touches behind Mixon, with Williams a candidate to serve as an early-down backup and third-down work up for grabs.

Williams (ankle) isn't listed on the injury report for Week 1 against Cleveland.

Williams missed a few weeks of practice/preseason after spraining his ankle Aug. 1. He's now ready to play, though even as part of a shaky Cincinnati backfield he'll probably be a healthy scratch or restricted to special teams rather than handling a significant role on offense. Chris Evans and Chase Brown both are more likely to get playing time off the bench behind Joe Mixon.

Williams (knee) said Thursday he expects to be back to 100 percent health next week, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official site reports.

Williams is facing an opportunity to compete for a change-of-pace role behind top running back Joe Mixon, when healthy. A mild right ankle sprain suffered Aug. 1 forced Williams to miss the entire preseason, but barring any setbacks he seems on track to return to full health ahead of Week 1's opener at Cleveland. Chase Brown and Chris Evans (undisclosed) will also be in contention for backup snaps behind Mixon.

Coach Zac Taylor said Tuesday that Williams (ankle) is slated to practice this week, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Williams suffered a mild right ankle sprain during an Aug. 1 practice and proceeded to miss the entire preseason slate. After spending all month in recovery mode, though, his return to drills is imminent. While the Bengals entrust their backfield in Joe Mixon, Williams will be among the options for reps behind him along with Chris Evans (undisclosed) and 2023 fifth-round pick Chase Brown after the team waived undrafted rookies Jacob Saylors and Calvin Tyler on Tuesday.

Williams (ankle) is not in uniform for Saturday's preseason game against the Commanders, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Williams has been dealing with an ankle sprain since Aug. 1 which has caused him to miss all three preseason bouts. With running back Chris Evans (undisclosed) also out of Saturday's game, rookie Chase Brown should get a heavy workload in the Bengals' preseason finale.

Coach Zac Taylor said Williams (ankle) is in a walking boot and considered week-to-week, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

Williams was already diagnosed with a mild ankle sprain after going down in practice earlier in the week. The veteran is competing for the No. 2 running back job vacated by Samaje Perine behind Joe Mixon. Chris Evans and rookie Chase Brown will now soak up more of those opportunities in Williams' absence.

A mild ankle sprain is expected to sideline Williams for a couple of weeks, Ben Baby of ESPN reports.

Williams, who entered training camp in contention for the top backup role behind starting RB Joe Mixon, is thus in line to miss the Bengals' preseason opener, at a minimum, but it appears as though his ankle issue isn't something that will linger long. In his looming absence, added backfield reps will be available for Chase Brown and Chris Evans.

Williams, who was carted off the practice field Tuesday, is thought to have suffered a mild ankle sprain, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The report suggests that Williams will likely miss a couple of weeks, assuming the initial diagnosis is confirmed. It therefore seems fairly safe to assume that the running back won't play in the Bengals' preseason opener, but it appears as though Williams avoided a serious injury and will be able to re-enter the backup mix behind starter Joe Mixon before too long. While he's sidelined, added RB reps will be available for Chase Brown and Chris Evans.

Williams suffered an apparent leg injury Tuesday, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

It's too early to know for sure but initial reports make it sound like the injury could be serious. Williams is entering his fifth pro season and has mostly played special teams to date, but the Bengals' lack of backfield depth gives him a chance at the third-down role if this injury isn't serious. The team otherwise has Chase Brown, Chris Evans and a couple undrafted rookies competing for roles behind returning lead back Joe Mixon.

Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan recently referred to Williams as an "ascending player" and suggested the running back should get "more opportunities" in 2023, Richard Skinner of Local 12 Cincinnati reports.

The 2019 sixth-round pick is entering his fifth season with the Bengals and re-signed this March after playing only 138 offensive snaps in 34 games over the past four years. Williams has bounced between third, fourth and fifth on the depth chart at running back, but he played significant snaps on special teams as a rookie (124) and again in 2022 (127). He may now get the chance to earn some playing time on offense, as the Bengals lost No. 2 back Samaje Perine to the Broncos this offseason and so far have added only fifth-round pick Chase Brown to a position group that otherwise includes Williams, Joe Mixon and Chris Evans. There's also been some questioning of Mixon's future with the team, though the Bengals likely will bring in a veteran free agent if they move on from their starter or he's suspended in connection with a recent misdemeanor charge of aggravated menacing.

Bengals OC Brian Callahan recently referred to Williams as an "ascending player" and suggested the running back should get "more opportunities" in 2023, Richard Skinner of WKRC reports.

The 2019 sixth-round pick is entering his fifth season with the Bengals, re-signing this March after playing only 138 offensive snaps in 34 games over the past four years. Williams has bounced between third, fourth and fifth on the RB depth chart, but he did play a lot of snaps on special teams as a rookie (124) and again in 2022 (127). He may now get the chance to earn some playing time on offense, as the Bengals lost No. 2 back Samaje Perine to the Broncos this offseason and so far have added only fifth-round pick Chase Brown to a position room that otherwise includes Williams, Joe Mixon and Chris Evans. There's also been some questioning of=Mixon's future with the team, though the Bengals likely will bring in a veteran free agent if they move on from their starter or he's suspended in connection with a recent misdemeanor charge of aggravated menacing.

Williams re-signed with the Bengals on a one-year contract Thursday.

Williams closed out the 2022 season as Cincinnati's kick returner. He's likely to reprise that role in 2023 and could also see an uptick in usage on offense as a depth option in the backfield behind Joe Mixon and Chris Evans.

The Bengals plan to re-sign Williams on Wednesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Williams suited up for each of Cincinnati's final seven regular-season games and all three playoff matchups, but he operated primarily on special teams when Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine were healthy. Perine is expected to sign with Denver soon, so barring any additional moves, Williams could have an elevated role in 2023. Williams was selected by the Bengals in the sixth round of the 2019 Draft and has totaled 47 rushing attempts for 238 yards and secured eight of 10 targets for 64 receiving yards over the past three seasons (23 appearances).

Williams played all 21 of his snaps on special teams Sunday in the Bengals' 27-16 win over the Ravens.

Williams was active for the Bengals' final seven games of the regular season, but he didn't receive any touches on offense over the last three of those contests while Cincinnati had both of Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine available out of the backfield. The Texas A&M product has, however, overtaken Chris Evans as Cincinnati's kickoff returner. Williams brought back two kickoffs for 48 yards against Baltimore to bring his average up to 22.3 yards per runback over 16 attempts during the regular season.

Williams had just one carry for three yards in Sunday's win over the Chiefs, playing 10 offensive snaps.

Williams was still involved on special teams, returning two kicks for 27 yards, but he took a step back from the previous week when he was more involved against the Titans. If Joe Mixon returns as expected this week, Williams might be relegated to special teams only duty.

Williams had two carries for 18 yards and one big catch for 16 yards in the Bengals' win over the Titans.

Williams is clearly behind both Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon when both are healthy, but he's also clearly ahead of Chris Evans should the opportunity arise.

Williams is expected to be active for Sunday's game against the Titans, James Rapien of SI.com reports.

With lead back Joe Mixon (concussion) having been ruled out for the Week 12 contest, Williams and Chris Evans are poised to serve as depth options behind Samaje Perine, who is expected to step into the starting role. Perine will most likely dominate the snaps and touches out of the backfield, though perhaps not to the extent of Mixon, who played at least two-thirds of the Bengals' offensive plays in every game until Week 11, when he exited in the first half of a win over the Steelers after sustaining the concussion. Mixon's absence should pave the way for Evans and Williams to both have roles on offense, all be it as change-of-pace options behind Perine. Evans likely represents a better bet to relieve Perine on passing downs, while Williams could sub in for Perine in short-yardage or more obvious running situations. Williams suited up for just the second time all season in the win over Pittsburgh, carrying two times for seven yards while failing to secure his only target.

Williams (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's season opener against the Steelers, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

Williams made the Bengals' initial 53-man roster, but he was let go a day later to make room for a trio of wavier claims. He then returned to the team after Cincinnati placed multiple players on injured reserve. However, he's a healthy scratch for Week 1 as the Bengals have opted to keep only three running backs on the active roster -- Joe Mixon, Samaje Perine and Chris Evans.

The Bengals re-signed Williams on Friday.

Williams made the initial 53-man roster, but he was let go a day later to make room for a trio of waiver claims. However, he's now returned to the team after the Bengals placed Tycen Anderson and Isaiah Prince on IR. The 2019 sixth-round pick has appeared in 26 games of the past three years in Cincinnati, totaling 47 touches for 242 yards.

The Bengals waived Williams on Wednesday, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

Williams made the initial 53-man roster, but he was let go Wednesday to make room for a trio of waiver claims. The 2019 sixth-round pick appeared in 26 games over three years with the Bengals, totaling 47 touches for 242 yards.

Williams rushed seven times for 22 yards and caught all four of his targets for 40 yards in Saturday's 16-7 preseason win over the Rams.

Williams had a quiet preseason opener but came on over the next two games, racking up 93 scrimmage yards and a touchdown over those two contests. Whether that's enough to make the team remains to be seen, as Williams was used after Chris Evans in this one and remains blocked by Joe Mixon, Samaje Perine and Evans on the depth chart.

Williams rushed nine times for 28 yards and a touchdown while catching his only target for three yards in Sunday's 25-22 preseason loss to the Giants.

Williams was the second Cincinnati running back to see the field after Chris Evans, who got the start with both Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine sitting out. Most of Williams' contributions came on the first drive of the second half, which the 2019 sixth-round pick capped with a one-yard rushing touchdown. Williams seems to be locked into the fourth spot on Cincinnati's running back depth chart, which leaves him squarely on the roster bubble.

Williams rushed nine times for 38 yards, brought in one of two targets for four yards in the Bengals' 21-16 loss to the Browns on Sunday.

Williams got a chance for extended action with Joe Mixon (reserve/COVID-19) unavailable and Samaje Perine going unused in the finale. The third-year pro is unlikely to have any role in the Bengals' upcoming postseason run unless there are multiple injuries in front of him.

Williams was signed to the Bengals' active roster from the practice squad Saturday, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

Williams has been elevated from the practice squad on two occasions this season. However, he'll now join the roster on a more permanent basis, which could mean bad news for Chris Evans (ankle) from an injury perspective. When active, Williams has played primarily on special teams, but he does have six carries for 13 yards.

Williams was reverted to the Bengals' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

Williams was called up to add depth to the Bengals running back group with Chris Evans (hamstring) unable to go Sunday against the Jets. Williams ultimately only played eight snaps, all on special teams. If Evans misses Week 9 against the Browns, Williams will look for another chance to play on Sunday.

Williams is being promoted to the Bengals' 53-man roster for Sunday's game against the Jets, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

Williams gets the call with Chris Evans set to miss the game with a hamstring issue. The 24-year-old is unlikely to see much work behind Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine.

Williams reverted to the Bengals' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

Samaje Perine (COVID-19) was unavailable for Sunday's contest, so Williams was elevated from the practice squad and carried six times for 13 yards behind Joe Mixon. Williams could be elevated against Week 7 if Perine remains sidelined, though Chris Evans would likely continue to work as Cincinnati's top backup at tailback.

Williams was elevated from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's game against the Lions.

Williams will take over for Samaje Perine who will not be activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list in time for Sunday's contest. The 23-year-old made a couple of brief appearances last season when Joe Mixon was sidelined, most notably tallying a 12-carry, three-catch effort as the de-facto starter in Week 14 against the Cowboys. The move essentially guarantees Mixon will be expected to handle his full workload, an important distinction considering he's currently listed as questionable with a nagging ankle injury.

Williams was waived by the Bengals on Tuesday.

The 2019 sixth-round pick recorded 157 yards on 26 carries and 30 yards on five receptions last season. Samaje Perine and Chris Evans will back up Joe Mixon to start the year.

Williams (hamstring) rushed nine times for 44 yards, brought in both targets for three yards and returned one kickoff for 23 yards in the Bengals' 29-26 preseason loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.

Williams needed to get out on the field Sunday to avoid missing the entirety of preseason and make a final case for a roster spot, and all told, he did well with the opportunity. The third-year pro was solid in 10 games last season, averaging 6.0 yards per carry on his 26 rushes and adding five receptions. Given his solid performance Sunday, Williams may have assured himself a roster spot, although rookie sixth-round pick Chris Evans, arguably Williams' biggest competition for the No. 3 running back role, did flash with a 29-yard touchdown reception against Miami, while backfield mate Jacques Patrick garnered 61 total yards in his own right.

Williams (hamstring) will not face Washington during Friday's exhibition matchup, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Williams will miss his second straight preseason game due to a hamstring injury, making Aug. 29's match against the Dolphins his next chance to suit up. The 2019 sixth-round pick has reportedly put together a strong offseason, but he's facing competition from all of Samaje Perine, Chris Evans, Jacques Patrick and Pooka Williams for a roster spot.

Williams injured his hamstring Thursday and won't be available for Saturday's preseason game against Tampa Bay, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

The 2019 sixth-round pick reportedly is having a nice summer after struggling with injuries the past two years, but even if he gets healthy in a hurry, Williams will need to compete for a roster spot and backup work. Samaje Perine, Chris Evans, Jacques Patrick and Pooka Williams are the other backfield options behind Joe Mixon, with Perine and Evans seemingly the chief competition for Williams.

Williams finished the 2020 season with 26 carries for 157 yards, including four carries for 74 yards in the season finale against the Ravens.

Williams broke off a 55-yard run in the finale, but despite the big run he got very little work for the remainder of the game. Williams will be entering his third season in the NFL with little game action. With Joe Mixon signed long-term, there's not a lot of hope for Williams to earn a significant role with the Bengals.

Williams rushed twice for six yards in Sunday's 37-31 win over the Texans.

Williams played just six of 76 yards as the clear No. 3 running back. Meanwhile, Giovani Bernard posted 131 yards from scrimmage, while Samaje Perine recorded 136 total yards and two scores. Williams likely will be the odd man out in the season finale against Baltimore, a much tougher run defense.

Williams carried the ball 12 times for 49 yards in Week 14 against the Cowboys. He added three receptions for 14 yards.

Williams took over as the Bengals' lead back after Giovani Bernard fumbled on the opening drive. He was fairly effective on the team's subsequent possession, gaining 22 combined yards between receptions and carries. However, he fumbled the ball deep in Cowboys' territory and was subsequently benched for the rest of the first quarter. After re-entering the contest, Williams managed to lead the team with 12 carries and could see an increased role in Week 15 against the Steelers if Joe Mixon (foot) remains out.

Williams didn't play an offensive snap in Sunday's 19-7 loss to the Dolphins.

Giovani Bernard continues to lead the Bengals' backfield, while Samaje Perine operates as the clear No. 2 running back. Williams hasn't gained footing as a consistent contributor; he's played just 10 snaps on offense over the last four weeks.

Williams played five offensive snaps Sunday in the Bengals' loss to the Giants, catching a pass for 13 yards and running once while losing two yards.

The carry was one more than fellow backup Samaji Perine received, with Giovani Bernard getting the lion's share of work. It's not at all clear the Bengals are interested in seeing more from him the rest of the way.

Williams played zero offensive snaps during Sunday's 20-9 loss to Washington.

The 23-year-old received the first carries of his career last week against the Steelers (five rushes for 22 yards), but it was only a small burst of playing time in a blowout. Williams should continue to work in a reserve role with Giovani Bernard and Samaje Perine handling the backfield work in the absence of Joe Mixon (foot).

Williams had his first NFL carries in the waning moments of the Bengals' loss to the Steelers, rushing five times for 22 yards.

The game was well out of reach when Williams got his carries in the fourth quarter, helping the Bengals tack on a Sad Field Goal at the end of the game. He received seven special teams snaps in addition to his five carries.

Williams was active for the first time this season Sunday against the Browns, but only saw action on two special teams snaps.

Williams is in his second year with the Bengals, but he has yet to record his first NFL regular season carry. Even though the Bengals are 1-5-1 that still may not happen - after all, they didn't see fit to give him that chance last year as they were playing out the string.

Williams is expected to be active against the Browns on Sunday with Joe Mixon (foot) ruled out, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Williams has been a healthy scratch through the first six games of the season, but the Bengals now finally have a need to call upon the 2019 sixth-round pick's talents. Giovani Bernard and Samaje Perine both appear to be operating ahead of Williams in the Bengals' backfield pecking order, however. The second-year pro is still looking to log his first NFL carry.

Williams did not suit up during Sunday's 23-23 tie against the Eagles.

The 2019 sixth-round pick is yet to make an appearance on the active roster this season, though he did dress for 11 games as a rookie. Williams remains in search of his first NFL carry after running for over 3,600 yards with 35 total touchdowns during his collegiate career at Texas A&M. Samaje Perine has so far served as the No. 3 running back for Cincinnati this season, but he has logged 61 special-teams snaps to only one offensive snap.

Williams appeared in 11 regular-season games with the Bengals in 2019 but did not record a single carry.

Williams missed the first two games of his rookie season due to a foot injury, and he was limited to special teams upon returning to action. Cincinnati's backfield simply didn't leave the 22-year-old any room for opportunity behind Joe Mixon, as Giovani Bernard cleaned up the change-of-pace reps. The Texas A&M product isn't likely to carry much, if any, fantasy value to begin the 2020 season.

Williams will not return to Thursday's matchup with the Redskins due to a left foot injury, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Williams was removed from the Bengals' preseason opener due to a rib injury and has now been knocked out again with a separate issue. The rookie sixth-round pick had four yards on two carries prior to exiting.