Entering training camp, expectations are higher for Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams, who is healthy compared to last year.
Williams suffered a broken foot in OTAs that set him back and then sprained his ankle in Week 1 of the 2022 campaign. Williams was forced to miss a couple of months before making his return, though at that point the Rams’ season was lost.
Now, the Notre Dame product has a chance to establish himself as the No. 2 in the backfield and is already seeing more progress being made this camp period, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
“I’m taking it more as an opportunity to showcase my skills and my talents and what I bring to this game,” Williams told theRams.com after practice last week. “Last year I was unable to do that, and so it was kind of a learning experience for me. And then being able to come this year fully healthy, fully ready to go, getting through OTAs and then going through training camp now, it’s just elevated my game. It’s allowing the game to slow down in front of me, allowing me to know where my blocks are going, where the linemen are going to with their blocks and who to reach and make the right decision. So in a way, the game is really slow starting to slow down for me and I’m starting to see everything I need to see.”
As far as what role he’s expecting to play this upcoming year, Williams said he just wants to contribute and is willing to do whatever is asked of him:
“Just contributing as much as I can,” Williams said of his mindset. “Whether that’s first down, second down, third down, it doesn’t matter. You’re bringing energy to the squad, it doesn’t matter. I’m gonna do as I’m told to do, and do it to my fullest. So being able to have the mindset (that) whenever I do have that chance to get on the field, it’s to make a play, it’s to make something change in the game. So just being able to believe in that and being ready when my number’s called fully, and being able to be locked in.”
Williams is well-regarded for his pass catching ability, so Sean McVay will likely utilize him on third down passing situations. However, he has shown some toughness running the ball and should get opportunities to spell Cam Akers.
McVay has talked about wanting to keep his running backs as fresh as possible, so Williams could be in line for a fair share of snaps.
