The NFL announced that Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in Week 12 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Williams hadn’t played since he rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries in the Oct. 15 win over the Cardinals. He suffered an ankle injury in that game and was placed on injured reserve as a result, missing the Rams’ next four contests.
He was activated for the second matchup with Arizona on the road though and looked as healthy as ever, carrying the ball 16 times for 143 yards while also adding six receptions for 61 yards and a pair of touchdowns through the air.
✅ @Kyrenwilliams23's first game back
✅ 204 total yards, 2 TDs
✅ NFC Offensive Player of the Week pic.twitter.com/cvqmcUVCJ4— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) November 29, 2023
When Williams has been healthy this season, he has taken on the role of the Rams’ lead back and has been exceptional for L.A. Overall in seven games, the second-year running back has 599 yards and six touchdowns on the ground, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, while also hauling in 19 receptions for 166 yards and three touchdowns through the air.
While Williams wasn’t expected to be the Rams’ three-down back at the beginning of the season, he has clearly emerged as one of the best in the league and should continue to see a big workload moving forward now that he is healthy and back to performing at a high level.
Sean McVay’s offense has always been at its best when there is a duel-threat running back to get the ball to, and Williams has shown that he can be that in just his second NFL season with L.A.
Williams says he felt 200% healthy in return to action
After missing over a month of action, it wouldn’t have been surprising to see Williams struggle a little in Week 12 as he still works his way back from an ankle injury.
That wasn’t the case though as he looked as healthy as ever and stated as such after the game.
“How many – 200 yards from scrimmage?” Williams said, when asked how his ankle is. “I want to say (I feel) 200 percent this time.”
It great to see Williams feeling this good as he will play a big role in the Rams’ playoff run if they are able to continue winning to make it as the No. 6 or 7 seed in the NFC. After 5-6, the Rams are right in the mix.
