Fantasy Alert: Jets’ Mike Williams to Be Worked ‘Into the Playbook More and More’

Doric SamSeptember 25, 2024

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New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams is still finding his form after recovering from a torn ACL, but it sounds like he’s on the right trajectory.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that the Jets plan to give Williams an uptick in action soon, writing, “Watch for the Jets to work wide receiver Mike Williams into the playbook more and more in the next couple of weeks.”

Across the first three games of the season, Williams has totaled four catches for 53 yards on five targets, averaging 13.3 yards per catch. Graziano noted that Williams “played just nine snaps in the season opener, 37 in Week 2 (which represented 65% of the Jets’ offensive plays) and then just 33 (45%) in Week 3 when they were blowing out the [New England] Patriots.”

New York already has experience working back in a skill position player coming off a torn ACL, as star running back Breece Hall took some time to get his legs under him before his solid 2023 season. Graziano pointed out that the team will likely use the same strategy with Williams.

“The Jets believe that the way they worked running back Breece Hall back into the lineup over the first 4-6 weeks of last season is a template they can follow with Williams, whom they view as a red zone playmaker for Aaron Rodgers and a big part of their plans once he’s fully healthy,” Graziano stated.

Williams signed a one-year deal with New York over the offseason after spending the first seven years of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers. The 6’4″, 218-pound veteran is known for using his size to make contested catches, and he’s shown flashes of that in his limited action so far this season.

Once Williams is fully acclimated, the Jets offense will be tough for opponents to slow down. His presence will open up more opportunities for star receiver Garrett Williams, who is off to a slow start because opposing defenses have been focused on stopping him.

On Sunday, the Jets will be hosting a Denver Broncos team that ranks second in the NFL with just 133.3 passing yards allowed, so it will be important for Williams and the rest of the receivers to step up and make life easier on Rodgers.