Getty Image / Christian Petersen
The Denver Broncos are gearing up for the 2023 season and aim for much more success with Sean Payton leading the way.
With some solid talent on the roster, Payton should be able to turn things around in Denver.
One player to keep an eye on though is running back Javonte Williams, as he’s attempting to come back from a troubling knee injury.
It’s unclear exactly when Williams will get back to full health. But it appears the Broncos head coach is being extremely optimistic.
According to NFL reporter Bobby Kownack, Sean Payton claims that Javonte Williams is “doing extremely well” amid bouncing back from his injury.
Payton seems more than confident that Williams could return by the start of training camp. Here is his full statement on the Broncos’ running back.
“Our current starter (Williams) is doing extremely well. I would tell you that we expect him to be ready for the start of training camp and that’s good news. His rehab is going well. I don’t want to speak for him or (vice president of player health and performance) Beau (Lowery) or anyone else, but we get the daily reports. We’re pretty tight-lipped relative to information going out, but I’ve read a lot and I think his rehab is going well.”
As Kownack points out, this statement from Sean Payton is nearly opposite from general manager George Paton’s comments in April.
Javonte Williams proved to be a vital threat in the run game before falling to injury. Additionally, it’s rather clear the Broncos want him to the be the starting running back one he returns.
The front office didn’t do a whole lot to improve the running back room. However, Samaje Perine is in line to potentially serve as a strong option until Williams returns.
With that said, Sean Payton is hopeful Javonte Williams can avoid the PUP list. But that will depend how he recovers from his serious knee injury.
“I think there’s a good chance that if a player is not ready at the start of training camp, he goes to PUP. We’re hopeful that he is someone that might not have to go to PUP. So that’s good news and in the meantime, the rest of these guys we’re looking at closely. I’m getting to know them.”
Most reports indicate that Williams won’t be ready by the start of training camp. Additionally, he could miss some games at the beginning of the 2023 campaign.
Look for the Broncos to continue monitoring Williams closely. However, hopefully, he doesn’t return too soon.