Damien Williams

Atlanta Falcons
Running Back #26
Atlanta Falcons
Running Back #26
iconsportswire.com

Damien Williams News

Waived from IR

The Falcons waived Williams (ribs) from injured reserve Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Williams rushed twice for two yards across 10 snaps during the season opener before picking up a rib injury. He was placed on IR the following Saturday after not practice at all during Week 2 prep. He's been on IR since, but Schefter relays that the veteran running back is 100 percent healthy and looking to make an impact for a new team. Coming into the campaign, Williams had recorded 1,394 scrimmage yards and 16 total touchdowns over his past three seasons (two with Kansas City and one with Chicago), by far the best stretch of his eight-year career.

Dec 12, 2022 1:27 PM EST


Moves to IR

Williams (ribs) was placed on injured reserve Saturday.

Analysis: The veteran tailback didn't practice all back, but considering Williams managed to return to the Week 1 contest after suffering the ribs injury, it's a bit surprising to see him shift to injured reserve. As a result, the 30-year-old will be out a minimum of four weeks.

Sep 17, 2022 1:25 PM EST



Won't play this week

Williams (ribs) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Rams, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: Williams rejoined the Falcons' Week 1 contest after injuring his ribs early on, but he's missed practice ever since and now will sit out for at least one game. Avery Williams replaced him as the complement to Cordarrelle Patterson in the season opener, and while Williams could be involved again, there's also some chance the Falcons find work for rookie fifth-round pick Tyler Allgeier, who was a healthy scratch Week 1.

Sep 16, 2022 10:01 AM EST


Not seen at practice Friday

Williams (ribs) wasn't present at the media portion of Friday's practice, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Williams missed a good portion of the Falcons' Week 1 loss to the Saints due to a rib injury, which he deemed sore Monday, per Rothstein. The veteran running back didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday and appears to have sat out again Friday, which doesn't bode well for his Week 2 status. If Williams is sidelined, rookie Tyler Allgeier, who was a healthy scratch for Week 1, and Avery Williams would be the primary beneficiaries behind starter Cordarrelle Patterson.

Sep 16, 2022 8:23 AM EST


Another DNP on Thursday

Williams (ribs) didn't practice Thursday, Ashton Edmunds of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: Williams missed a good portion of the Falcons' Week 1 loss to the Saints due to a rib injury, which he called sore Monday, according to Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com. So far, Williams hasn't stepped on the practice field during Week 2 prep, but he has one more chance to do so Friday. If he's limited or out Sunday at the Rams, Williams will yield complementary backfield reps to Avery Williams and Tyler Allgeier behind starter Cordarrelle Patterson.

Sep 15, 2022 2:25 PM EST



Doesn't practice Wednesday

Williams (ribs) was held out of practice Wednesday, Scott Bair of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: Williams left Sunday's opener against the Saints for a spell due to a rib injury, but he was able to return and play out the rest of the game. He relayed to Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com on Monday that he's tending to sore ribs, which kept him out of the first Week 2 practice. Williams has two more opportunities to get on the field this week, so his status will be watched as the week goes on to get a sense of his availability for Sunday's road game versus the Rams.

Sep 14, 2022 1:58 PM EST


Picks up minor issue

Williams is dealing with a rib soreness injury suffered in Sunday's season-opening loss to the Saints, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Williams confirmed that he did not break any of his ribs during the Falcons' Week 1 loss and that he only has some slight soreness Monday. The 30-year-old managed just two rushes for two yards over 10 offensive snaps played as he was sidelined for much of Sunday's season opener. Assuming this injury does not ultimately prove more significant, Williams should see increased opportunities while serving as the team's No. 2 back behind Cordarrelle Patterson in Week 2 against the Rams.

Sep 12, 2022 4:01 PM EST


Sidesteps injury in Week 1

Williams rushed twice for two yards during Sunday's 27-26 loss to the Saints.

Analysis: With rookie fifth-round pick Tyler Allgeier (coach's decision) inactive, Williams opened the game as the top backup behind Cordarrelle Patterson. However, the veteran running back left the contest on the first play of the Falcons' second offensive drive and eventually went to the locker room. He returned to the sideline after halftime, but he didn't get back into the game until the fourth quarter. Due to the injury, it's unclear what his role would have been behind Patterson, who dominated in Week 1, but as long as Allgeier remains out, Williams -- barring injury -- figures to have the backup role locked down.

Sep 12, 2022 8:22 AM EST


Back in Sunday's game

Williams (ribs) returned to Sunday's game against the Saints, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Williams left this Week 1 divisional clash after the first play of the Falcons' second drive and went to the locker room for a spell. He was spotted back on the sideline after halftime, but it took him until the fourth quarter to get back on the field. Still, Williams likely will be limited to situational work as Cordarrelle Patterson leads the team's backfield.

Sep 11, 2022 12:42 PM EST


Injures ribs Sunday

Williams suffered a rib injury during Sunday's game against the Saints, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: Williams remained on the turf after a run of no gain on the first play of Atlanta's second offensive possession. He eventually made his way off the field with team trainers and went to the locker room. Considering rookie fifth-rounder Tyler Allgeier was a healthy scratch Week 1, Cordarrelle Patterson may be in store for a significant workload if Williams isn't able to return.

Sep 11, 2022 10:29 AM EST


Listed as No. 2 RB

Williams is listed as the No. 2 running back on the Falcons' unofficial depth chart ahead of Week 1, Scott Bair of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Williams was expected to replace Mike Davis as the primary backup behind Cordarrelle Patterson when he signed with the Falcons this offseason. However, Atlanta selected Tyler Allgeier in the fifth round of the 2022 Draft and converted return man Avery Williams to running back, putting Williams on the roster bubble. Nonetheless, the veteran running back showed his worth during training camp and preseason action and will still open the season as the top backup in a run-heavy offense, which should be a solid role given Patterson isn't expected to operate as a workhorse.

Sep 7, 2022 10:07 AM EST


Carving out backfield role

As Week 1 approaches, Williams is part of a Falcons backfield that also includes Cordarrelle Patterson, Tyler Allgeier and Avery Williams.

Analysis: Looking ahead to Sunday's season opener against the Saints, the versatile Cordarrelle Patterson, whose reps the Falcons limited this summer, figures to see his share of touches, but Scott Bair of the Falcons' official site suggests that Damien Williams could also factor in, with rookie Tyler Allgeier also in the mix. In that context, it remains to be seen how the team's carries are allocated, with Williams' looming workload tied in larger part to how may conventional running back carries (versus plays in which he moves around the formation) Patterson logs.

Sep 5, 2022 10:53 AM EST


Competing for roster spot

Williams could be competing for a roster spot if the Falcons opt to keep only three running backs on their initial 53-man roster, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Kendall suggests that Cordarrelle Patterson, who led the team in rushing attempts and yards last season, and third-round pick Tyler Allgeier are locks to make the Week 1 roster. However, if the Falcons decide to keep just three running backs, then Williams will be competing for a roster spot with Avery Williams, who's converted from defensive back to running back this offseason. Kendall also mentions that if this is indeed the case, Avery's punt-return abilities would give him a decided advantage over Damien. Damien finished fourth in the NFL in yards after contact per carry (3.59) during his last full season (2019) and ended that campaign with 111 rushes for 498 yards, but he sat out in 2020 due to COVID-19 and saw just 40 touches last year with the Bears.

Jul 8, 2022 1:42 PM EST


With compete for touches

Williams will compete with Tyson Allgeier and Qadree Ollison for touches after the release of Mike Davis, Josh Kendall of the Athletic reports.

Analysis: Williams agreed to a one-year deal with the Falcons this offseason after serving as a backup in Chicago last year. Cordarrelle Patterson will likely lead the backfield once again, but the release of Davis and the acquisitions of Allgeier and Williams changes the rest of Atlanta's running back depth chart. With Marcus Mariota at the helm, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Falcons feature a heavy dose of the run, so all four backs may get opportunities throughout the season, though Patterson certainly boasts the highest fantasy upside going into training camp.

May 2, 2022 10:03 AM EST


Going to the ATL

The Falcons and Williams agreed to terms on a one-year contract Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Aside from opting out in 2020, Williams has earned work in each of the seven pro campaigns that he's been on a roster. Most recently, he turned 56 touches into 267 yards from scrimmage and three total TDs in 12 games with the Bears last year. He'll join a backfield led by Mike Davis (ribs) -- at least for the time being -- meaning Williams is poised to have some type of role out of Atlanta's backfield this season.

Mar 17, 2022 3:15 PM EST


Scores fourth touchdown of 2022

Williams caught three passes for 33 yards and a touchdown in the Bears' 31-17 Week 18 loss to the Vikings, and he ended the season with 40 carries for 164 yards and two touchdowns while adding 19 receptions for 136 yards and two touchdowns.

Analysis: After starting the season seeing work as a change-of-pace option to David Montgomery, Williams was passed on the depth chart by Khalil Herbert, and from Week 7 on, he saw very limited action. Although he technically has a low-salary contract in 2022, it's a void year, and the Bears would owe him nothing if they move on. Unless his situation improves dramatically, he'll be a depth option for fantasy managers.

Jan 9, 2022 4:59 PM EST


Blanked in victory

Williams failed to catch his lone target in the Bears' 29-3 win over the Giants on Sunday.

Analysis: Williams hasn't received more than three touches in a game since Week 7, and he won't be a recommended fantasy option in Week 18 against the Vikings.

Jan 2, 2022 6:43 PM EST


Minor role in win

Williams rushed once for 12 yards along with a two-yard reception in the Bears' 25-24 win over the Seahawks on Sunday.

Analysis: With David Montgomery carrying the load with 21 carries and nine targets, Williams shared the few leftover touches with Khalil Herbert. It's unlikely Williams sees an increase in work in Week 17 against the Giants, making him tough to trust in fantasy lineups.

Dec 26, 2021 5:13 PM EST


Limited work in backup role

Williams rushed twice for 13 yards while catching his only target for four yards in the Bears' 45-30 loss to the Packers on Sunday.

Analysis: In his return from a calf injury, Williams took over the backup role from Khalil Herbert, though it only resulted in three touches. With David Montgomery entrenched in a work-horse role, it's unlikely Williams earns a significant number of touches in the fantasy playoffs.

Dec 13, 2021 3:49 AM EST


Making return in Week 14

Williams (calf) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Packers.

Analysis: A full practice Friday has earned Williams clearance to return to game action for the first time since Week 8. He'll compete with rookie Khalil Herbert for the limited touches left behind workhorse David Montgomery, who was also cleared Friday after battling shoulder, groin and glute injuries during the week.

Dec 10, 2021 11:40 AM EST


News powered by