The Broncos have just received a pretty significant offensive boost. Javonte Williams will be ready to roll for the regular season, and off the PUP list when training camp begins on Friday.
Per James Palmer of NFL Network, Denver isn't placing Williams on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list even though he suffered a season-ending ACL/LCL tear in Week 4 last season. Williams's participation in training camp is excellent news for the Broncos because it means he's recovering quickly and should be ready for the beginning of the regular season.
#broncos RB Javonte Williams will not start training camp on PUP I’m told. It had been pointing in that direction all off season, and the team officially has decided he won’t start on PUP. A great sign for his chances Week 1
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) July 23, 2023
Despite the severity of the injury, Williams looked strong this offseason."This is a remarkable recovery," Palmer recently said on NFL Network. "[During OTAs], he was running routes and cutting off that knee. That's a good sign."
The 23-year-old will have a crucial role this season since he can help Denver jump-start its ground game. In 2022, the team finished 21st in rushing yards, compounding their offensive problems. Consequently, the Broncos finished last in scoring.
Williams, a second-round pick in 2021, showed promise during his first season. He rushed for 903 yards on 203 attempts and scored seven TDs in 17 games, which earned him a PFWA All-Rookie nod.
Furthermore, Williams is another player who could elevate his game under new head coach Sean Payton, a former Super Bowl champion. While Payton served as Saints HC from 2006 to 2021, he developed Pro Bowl RBs such as Alvin Kamara and Deuce McAllister.
Perhaps Williams is in store for a comeback and will help the Broncos complete a much-needed bounce back after going 5-12 last season.
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