The Denver Broncos are opening up training camp next week as they embark on the second season under Sean Payton. And former North Carolina Tar Heels running back Javonte Williams could be fighting for a roster spot.
Going into his fourth season, Williams still has a lot to prove and one reporter in Denver believes he is battling Samaje Perine for one roster spot these next few weeks. Troy Renck of The Denver Post wrote an opinion column on the running back situation and he believes that there won’t be room for both on this roster.
Here is what Renck wrote on the situation:
It prompts an uncomfortable question: Are Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine competing for one roster spot? I believe so.
It’s hard to believe that Williams’ career in Denver could hinge on a strong camp. But he is entering his fourth season and averaged 3.2 yards per carry over the final 10 games last year. That number won’t work as the starter. It doesn’t seem fair given his discipline and work ethic to overcome a brutal knee injury in 2022. The declining returns can be rationalized as fatigue from rehab, recovery and workload. He looked bigger and stronger this spring, but it must translate to breaking tackles.
Perine is a trusted third-down weapon given his ability to execute assignments in pass protection and catch dump-off passes. Williams can fill this role, but would the Broncos prefer a veteran for Nix?
Rookie Audric Estime is making the team. And if he shows up and shows out, Williams’ footing becomes slippery. The room sets up as Estime, Jaleel McLaughlin and the music humming with one chair remaining for Williams and Perine.
Williams has struggled to stay healthy in his three seasons with the Broncos so far, and that could be the biggest key to him finding success. In three seasons, Williams has rushed for 1,881 yards and 7 touchdowns but has appeared in 37 of the 51 total games.
Last season, while he was healthy, he split time in the Broncos backfield but managed to rush for 774 yards. The talent is there for Williams as he goes into his fourth season, and having a strong training camp will go a long ways.
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