BRONCOS RB JAVONTE WILLIAMS OUT FOR THE SEASON WITH MULTI-LIGAMENT INJURIES
Denver Broncos second-year running back Javonte Williams will miss the rest of the season after he suffered a torn ACL injury during Sunday’s 32-23 loss against the Las Vegas Raiders.
An MRI conducted on Monday morning confirmed the news that it is a multi-ligament injury including a torn anterior cruciate ligament, lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and posterior lateral corner on Williams’’ right knee as per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
Javonte Williams’ injury is expected to have a significant impact on the team’s offense and the way they play. The 2021 second-round draft pick came into the game on Sunday leading the team with 175 rushing yards and was the second-leading receiver with 15 catches over three games. The Broncos will now have to rely more on Melvin Gordon III who has fumbled five times in his past 44 carries over 5 games. Gordon’s fumbles have been costly to Denver and Sunday marked the third time a Gordon fumble has been returned for a touchdown in Denver’s past 12 games.
“Losing Javonte is so unfortunate,” Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett said on Monday. “A dynamic player in this league. Somebody’s got to step up. With this whole team, I think they’re excited for that opportunity and we’re glad that it [playing a game again] comes very soon instead of having to wait longer to be able to get out there and go play.”
The Broncos next play on Thursday night when they welcome the Indianapolis Colts to Denver at 8pm EST.
Speaking on Gordon’s confidence, and his confidence in him given his struggle with ball security, Hackett said: “Melvin’s a true pro. This guy’s been doing this for a long time. He knows that there was a mishap right there and it’s a great opportunity for him to get back out on the field and prove himself. He’s running the ball really well. He’s running downhill, he’s exploding through the hole. We want to see that continue. Like I said, he’s a true pro and I expect him to step up and have a great game.”
While Williams’ injury is unfortunate, speculation is growing on whether the former North Carolina Tar Heel was given too much workload during the game against the Raiders on Sunday. Entering the game, Williams had 37 carries compared to Gordon’s 34 with an almost even running back split until the workload changed as Williams dominated touches to start the game. Williams, in fact, had six carries before Gordon saw his first.
Moving forward head coach Nathaniel Hackett said: “We’re going to have to disperse [the workload] between the guys that we’ll have out there. Whoever’s out there’s going to have to do the best job they can. We have some good backs and we want to be sure that we showcase them. Just like we were with him [Javonte] and if they’re part of that progression and they get an opportunity, we want to see them be great.”
“This is part of football. It’s a physical game. We can’t deny there’s certain things we can’t control. As a team, we’re going to band together. We’re going to step it up and get better. Whoever has the opportunity to go in has to embrace it and be excited for it and play the best they’ve ever played.”
Baltimore Ravens running back JK Dobbins suffered a similar injury to Javonte Williams on August 28th during the preseason last year and returned 13 months later in week three of this year. If Williams’ recovery is similar to Dobbins’, then the Broncos can hope to see Javonte back on the field in week 5 of 2023.
The Broncos added a third running back to the roster on Monday when they signed running back Latavius Murray off the Saints practice squad. Murray spent last season with the Ravens after they lost both Dobbins and Gus Edwards to ACL season-ending injuries. He now joins Melvin Gordon and Mike Boone in the Denver backfield. The 32-year-old scored a touchdown against the Vikings on Sunday in London and will now reunite with general manager George Paton, who was with him in Minnesota.
-Maher Abucheri
Twitter: @pabloikonyero
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