Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Javonte Williams

Sunday, October 1, 10:45 PM

Denver Broncos running back Samaje Perine didn't take advantage of an opportunity for a bigger role in the 31-28 comeback win over the Chicago Bears in Week 4 on Sunday when Javonte Williams (hip) left the game for good in the first half. Perine handled six carries, one less than undrafted rookie Jaleel McLaughlin, and picked up only 12 yards (2.0 yards per tote) on the ground. He added 23 receiving yards while hauling in both of his targets through the air. The 28-year-old could have a bigger role moving forward if Williams is forced to miss any time with his injury, but Perine has so far been a disappointment through his first four weeks with the Broncos and could be behind McLaughlin in the pecking order. Even if Williams is unavailable for a tough Week 5 matchup against the New York Jets, Perine will be hard to recommend as an RB3/flex.

Tuesday, October 3, 12:18 AM

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (hip) sustained a hip-flexor injury during Week 4's 31-28 comeback win over the Chicago Bears, and he isn't expected to miss much time, if any, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Williams took only 17% of Denver's offensive snaps before exiting on Sunday, handling two carries for no gain and three catches for nine yards. Undrafted rookie Jaleel McLaughlin burst onto the scene for 104 total yards and a touchdown on Sunday while presumed No. 2 back Samaje Perine plodded his way to 12 yards on six carries with two receptions for 23 yards. It's great to hear Williams isn't dealing with anything serious as he continues working his way back from a 2022 torn ACL with just 138 yards on 38 carries and 11 catches for 51 yards so far this year. It sounds as if the 23-year-old is on the right side of questionable ahead of practice for Week 5 versus the New York Jets.