Kyren Williams saw a light box on a league-high 60.1% of his carries in last year’s breakout season (min. 80 carries), but that light-box rate has dropped to 54.8% this season.

Fills typical workhorse role

Williams rushed 19 times for 94 yards and a touchdown and brought in all four targets for 10 yards in the Rams' 24-18 loss to the Bears on Sunday.

Analysis: Despite the loss, the game never got away from the Rams, so Williams was able to log a typically robust workload that resulted in a season high in rushing yards. He also tied his high-water mark in receptions, and he found the end zone for the sixth time overall in the first four games via a three-yard run on the first play of the fourth quarter. The third-year back has at least 18 carries in three of his first four contests, and he'll resume his quest for his first 100-yard game of the…read more

Three TDs in upset victory

Williams rushed 24 times for 89 yards and two touchdowns while adding 27 yards and a third score on two receptions in Sunday's 27-24 win over San Francisco.

Analysis: Williams pounded in his third and fourth rushing touchdowns of the season in the Rams' first win of 2024. Los Angeles' lead back ceded just two touches to backup Ronnie Rivers, further cementing his status as a fantasy stud given the Rams' current lack of superstars on offense. Williams should be an automatic fantasy start ahead of a Week 4 matchup against Chicago.

Contributes 52 yards plus TD

Williams rushed 12 times for 25 yards and a touchdown while catching four of five targets for 27 yards in Sunday's 41-10 loss to the Cardinals.

Analysis: Williams led the Rams in touches for the second week in a row, scoring his second touchdown in as many games. The antithesis of a silver lining is that Williams is averaging just 2.5 yards per tote through two games. On top of that, rookie backup Blake Corum chipped into the 2023 fantasy breakout's workload with eight carries for 28 yards after being a healthy scratch in Week 1. Sunday's blowout nature affected the shift in touch distribution between the Rams' top two running backs, as most of…read more

Punches in TD on SNF

Williams rushed 18 times for 50 yards and a touchdown while catching all three targets for four receiving yards in Sunday's 26-20 overtime loss to the Lions.

Analysis: Williams struggled on a per-touch basis (2.6 yards) in his first game following his 2023 breakout campaign. The positive news for the 23-year-old's fantasy managers was that one of his 21 combined touches hit pay dirt in addition to his domination of the backfield touches Sunday. Backup Ronnie Rivers saw two carries while rookie sleeper Blake Corum surprisingly did not see the field in a game during which the Rams lost a primary offensive weapon in Puka Nacua (knee). It appears Williams is in…read more

Expected to return punts

Williams is expected to operate as the Rams' punt returner to open the 2024 season, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Williams is coming off of a rather productive second professional season, registering 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns on 228 carries while also adding 32 catches for 206 yards and three more scores over 12 contests in 2023. In regards to him operating as a punt returner in 2024, head coach Sean McVay believes that having the ball in the running back's hands more often is a good thing, saying that "it's another opportunity for him to get touches and impact the game." Williams is competing with…read more

Sits out preseason with starters

Williams (coach's decision) did not play in any of the Rams' preseason games in 2024.

Analysis: Head coach Sean McVay held Williams and the rest of the starting unit out of exhibition play this season. The 2023 breakout fantasy star was dealing with a minor foot injury early in training camp, but he does not carry an injury designation heading into Week 1 of the regular season. The underlying concern for Williams' fantasy managers is if rookie third-round pick Blake Corum continues to impress the Rams' coaching staff and cuts into the starter's usage this season. Williams remains the No.…read more

Not expected to play Saturday

The Rams don't plan to play Williams or other key players in Saturday's preseason game against the Chargers, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.

Analysis: Coach Sean McVay suggested his plan will be similar to the preseason opener against Dallas, in which the Rams not only held out starters but also a lot of key backups, including rookie RB Blake Corum. McVay even said the list of rested players could be longer this time, so there's no reason to expect an appearance from starters like Williams and Cooper Kupp who are ticketed for huge roles come Week 1. There is some thought that Corum's presence will leave Williams with lighter workloads than he…read more

Gets back on practice field

Williams (foot) is participating in on-field workouts Thursday.

Analysis: Williams missed most of OTAs due to a foot injury, but he's returned to the field for the final day of voluntary activities and appears to be handling on-field drills without limitations. Coach Sean McVay continuously downplayed the severity of Williams' injury, and it looks like the starting running back will indeed be ready to go for the start of mandatory minicamp June 10. The Rams could still opt to cap Williams' workload at practice if there are any concerns about his recovery, but it…read more

Making progress with foot

Williams (foot) went through an up-tempo workout Tuesday with athletic trainers, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: While he won't practice at OTAs or minicamp, Williams is at least able to get out on the field and move around with the Rams' training staff. The activity would seem to support head coach Sean McVay's recent comments downplaying the severity of Williams' foot injury, though it's worth noting that the running back suffered a broken foot early in the 2022 offseason, shortly after the Rams took him in the fifth round of the draft. McVay said Williams will miss offseason practices before returning…read more

Foot injury downplayed

Williams, who is dealing with a foot injury that he sustained while training this spring, per Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register, won't take part in the Rams' offseason program, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: That said, Barshop adds that coach Sean McVay has downplayed Williams' foot issue, noting that it's "nothing to worry about. He'll be ready to go for training camp." As the coming season approaches, the 2022 fifth-rounder remains atop the Rams' RB depth chart, with rookie third-rounder Blake Corum, Boston Scott, Ronnie Rivers and Zach Evans providing the team with backfield depth. Of the aforementioned backups, Corum could be the most notable threat to the 2024 workload of the 5-foot-9,…read more

Could lose some work to Corum

Rams coach Sean McVay said Saturday that third-round pick Blake Corum reminds him a lot of Williams (hand), Stu Jackson of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: McVay isn't the first to make that comparison, and while it's arguably a compliment that the Rams sought out a similar player, it also means Williams could cede more work to backups than he did last year. The comparison between the two players is imperfect, with Corum being an inch shorter yet 11 pounds heavier (based on combine measurements) and having enjoyed a far more prolific college career in terms of rushing stats. On the other hand, Williams was much more active as a pass catcher in his…read more

Undergoes procedure on hand

Head coach Sean McVay said that Williams underwent a successful procedure Tuesday to repair a broken bone in his hand, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Analysis: Williams, who suffered the injury in this past Sunday's 24-23 wild-card round loss to the Lions, will have plenty of time to recover before the Rams take the field again in OTAs this coming spring. Heading into the start of the 2023 season, Williams was expected to work behind Cam Akers in the team's backfield. However, by Week 2, Williams moved into a starting role that resulted in the 2022 fifth-round pick logging 228 carries for 1,144 yard and 12 touchdowns to go along with 32 catches (on 48…read more

Hurts hand in playoff debut

Williams (hand) is questionable to return to Sunday's wild-card round game against the Lions.

Analysis: Williams went back to the locker room in the fourth quarter to have the injury examined, leaving Ronnie Rivers as the top option in Los Angeles' backfield. Prior to the injury, Williams rushed 13 times for 61 yards and caught his lone target for nine yards in his playoff debut.

Inactive in Week 18

Williams (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Head coach Sean McVay had already revealed at the beginning of Week 18 prep that Williams would be held out for rest purposes in the regular-season finale, but the Rams still opted to list the second-year running back as doubtful on their final injury report. As anticipated, Williams is inactive for the contest, leaving Ronnie Rivers, Royce Freeman and Zach Evans as the team's available options out of the backfield Sunday. Williams will reprise his role as the Rams' lead back in the wild-card…read more

Sitting out in Week 18

Rams head coach Sean McVay said Williams won't play Sunday in San Francisco, Greg Beacham of the Associated Press reports.

Analysis: Along with Williams, quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp are among the healthy skill-position players for the Rams that won't see action in the regular-season finale while Los Angeles has already secured a wild-card spot. Williams thus will end his second season as a pro with 228 carries for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns and 32 catches (on 48 targets) for 206 yards and three more scores in 12 contests.

Three TDs in Week 17 win

Williams rushed 20 times for 87 yards and three touchdowns while catching both of his targets for 14 yards in Sunday's 26-25 win over the Giants.

Analysis: Williams opened the scoring with a four-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, then scored again from two yards out in the third before adding a 28-yard touchdown in the fourth. He's up to 12 rushing touchdowns in 12 games, and Williams has exceeded 100 scrimmage yards in each of his last seven appearances. The Rams can clinch a playoff spot if things break right for them in the remaining Week 17 games, but if Los Angeles still has something to play for Week 18, Williams would be a…read more

Goes over 100-yard mark in win

Williams rushed 22 times for 104 yards and a touchdown in the Rams' 30-22 win over the Saints on Thursday night.

Analysis: Williams was his usual effective self on the ground, eclipsing the 100-yard mark for the third straight game and sixth time on the season. However, after four consecutive games with multiple catches, Williams wasn't targeted so much as once for only the second time this season. Despite that disappointing aspect of his night, Williams' rushing yardage total and 10-yard scoring run in the later portion of the third quarter still led to a fruitful fantasy performance. The second-year back next…read more

Racks up 157 total yards

Williams rushed the ball 27 times for 152 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 28-20 win over the Commanders. He added five receptions on seven targets for three yards and also lost two fumbles.

Analysis: Williams jeopardized his day with two lost fumbles in the span of three offensive possessions in the second quarter, but he still earned at least 20 carries for the third consecutive game. He's also topped 100 rushing yards in three of his last four contests, and five gains of double-digit yards helped him reach that mark Sunday. On top of his strong yardage total, Williams tallied his fourth score in as many games with a one-yard run just before the end of the first half. He'll lead the Rams'…read more

Tops 100 rushing yards

Williams rushed the ball 25 times for 114 yards in Sunday's 37-31 loss to the Ravens. He added three receptions on four targets for negative-one yard..

Analysis: Williams continued to dominate opportunity out of the Los Angeles backfield, accounting for 25 of the 28 rushing attempts by the team's running backs. His longest gain of the day went for 14 yards, but he was able to grind his way to his fourth 100-yard rushing performance of the season and second in three games since he returned from a knee injury. Williams appears to be locked into one of the best roles in the league, and he'll face a weak Commanders run defense in Week 15.

Gets into end zone again

Williams carried the ball 21 times for 88 yards and a touchdown and caught three of five targets for 24 yards in Sunday's 36-19 win over the Browns.

Analysis: The second-year RB continues to show a nose for the end zone, and Williams has 10 total TDs (seven rushing, three receiving) in only eight games this season. He's also topped 100 scrimmage yards in three straight contests, although he spent four games on IR in the middle of that streak due to an ankle injury. Despite the time he's missed, Williams is just 123 scrimmage yards shy of reaching 1,000 for the first time in his career heading into a Week 14 clash with the Ravens.

Spectacular showing in return

Williams (ankle) rushed 16 times for 143 yards and brought in all six targets for 61 yards and two touchdowns in the Rams' 37-14 win over the Cardinals on Sunday.

Analysis: The second-year back looked more effective than ever in his return from a four-game stay on injured reserve, compiling a career-high rushing yardage total while also bringing in scoring grabs of 15 and three yards. Williams' reception total also led the Rams on the afternoon and tied the versatile back's season high. Williams clearly looks completely back to full health after ripping off multiple explosive runs, including a game-high 56-yarder, and he'll next take aim at an inconsistent Browns…read more

Good to go

Williams (ankle) was activated off injured reserve Saturday and will be available for Sunday's matchup with the Cardinals, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Williams was trending in this direction, as he logged a full workload at practice throughout the week. The presumption is he will settle back in as the Rams' lead back, though coach Sean McVay indicated to Cameron DaSilva of USA Today he is mindful of taking some snaps off the second-year back's plate in order to ease him back into the swing of things. Thus, Royce Freeman is expected to see some meaningful work as the No. 2 option in Los Angeles' backfield. Williams had played at least 73…read more

Turns in week of full practices

Williams (ankle) was listed as a full practice participant Friday for the third day in a row and doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game in Arizona, though the Rams haven't yet activated him from injured reserve, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.

Analysis: Williams was designated for return from IR after missing each of the Rams' last four games, but his ability to resume practicing the first week he was eligible to do so while facing no restrictions suggests he'll be added back to the 53-man roster before Saturday's 4 p.m. ET deadline for Week 12 transactions. In his looming return to action Sunday, Williams should settle back in as the Rams' lead back, though head coach Sean McVay told Cameron DaSilva of USA Today that he's mindful of taking…read more

Logs another full practice

Williams (ankle) practiced fully Thursday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Williams remains on injured reserve, but after back-to-back uncapped sessions to kick off Week 12 prep, he's drawing ever closer to returning to action from the sprained left ankle that so far has forced four straight absences. The Rams may list him with no designation on their final injury report of the week Friday, but they also don't need to activate him from IR until Saturday afternoon in order for him to have a chance to play Sunday in Arizona. Perhaps other moves that the team makes in…read more

Logs full practice Wednesday

Rams head coach Sean McVay said Williams (ankle) will be a full practice participant Wednesday, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Analysis: On the same day in which the Rams designated Williams for return from injured reserve, the running back "looked like he was full speed during walkthrough just now," per McVay. The team likely will want Williams to string together multiple uncapped practices before activating him from IR, but he seems poised to miss the minimum four games due to a sprained left ankle. The Rams will need to add Williams back on the active roster by Saturday at 4 p.m. ET for him to have a chance to play Sunday at…read more

Returns to practice

The Rams designated Williams (ankle) for return from injured reserve Wednesday.

Analysis: Williams is thus slated to practice Wednesday and is expected to be formally activated from IR ahead of Sunday's game against the Cardinals, barring any setbacks. In his looming return, Williams should be poised to claim a key role in the Rams' backfield, with Royce Freeman and Zach Evans also in the mix after the team parted ways with Darrell Henderson on Tuesday. Prior to being placed on IR on Oct. 21 with a left ankle sprain, Williams had played more than two-thirds of the Rams' snaps on…read more

In line to return Week 12

Coach Sean McVay said Monday that the Rams expect Williams (ankle) to be available for Sunday's game in Arizona, Greg Beacham of the Associated Press reports.

Analysis: Williams has spent the minimum four games on injured reserve as he recovers from the sprained left ankle that he suffered back in Week 6. The Rams will need to designate him for return from IR in order for him to practice, which they likely will do ahead of Wednesday's session. Once that procedural move is out of the way, Williams' listing on the team's injury reports Wednesday through Friday should give a good indication of his current level of health. Assuming he's close to 100 percent, he…read more

Expected back Week 12

Coach Sean McVay said Tuesday he expects Williams (knee) to return from IR in time to suit up versus the Cardinals in Week 12, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.

Analysis: Williams' earliest eligible return date from injured reserve is Week 12, and it looks like he's on track to meet that timeline. Los Angeles currently has a bye this week and will then take on the Seahawks in Week 11, which will give Darrell Henderson and Royce Freeman another chance to lead the backfield, but it appears Williams will be back in the mix for a road game in Arizona on Nov. 26. It remains to be seen, however, whether he will immediately regain his No. 1 role, or whether he will…read more

Surprisingly goes to IR

Williams (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Head coach Sean McVay didn't seem optimistic Williams would return in relatively quick fashion following an ankle injury in Sunday's win over the Cardinals, but the initial reports didn't seem to indicate the second-year back would need a stint on injured reserve. As a result, Williams won't be eligible to return until Week 12 -- all the way at the end of November. It's unclear who will step up and assume the larger share of what figures to be a significant backfield-by-committee, as the likes…read more

No activity Wednesday

Williams (ankle), whom coach Sean McVay said Wednesday won't play Sunday against the Steelers, didn't practice Wednesday.

Analysis: Williams is expected to miss multiple weeks due to a sprained ankle that he suffered this past Sunday against the Cardinals, so his lack of practice activity shortly after the injury doesn't come as a surprise. However, he was spotted with a cast on his left ankle and also needed a scooter to get around during Wednesday's session, per Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register. With Ronnie Rivers' (knee) landing on injured reserve Wednesday, the Rams now are down their top two running backs…read more

Won't play this week

Rams head coach Sean McVay confirmed that Williams (ankle) won't play Sunday against the Steelers, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Earlier reports suggested Williams likely would miss multiple games and return either Week 9 or Week 11, with the Rams being on bye in the week in between. McVay didn't elaborate much on Williams' outlook beyond this week, but the Rams' top back will miss his first game of the season Sunday. Meanwhile, Williams' top backup, Ronnie Rivers (knee), is headed for injured reserve, leaving the Rams with Zach Evans, Myles Gaskin and Royce Freeman as their available options out of the backfield.

Multi-week absence expected

Williams (ankle) is expected to miss multiple contests but should return to action after the Rams' Week 10 bye at the latest, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Adam Schefter of ESPN previously reported Monday that Williams was likely to miss the Rams' Week 7 game against the Steelers due to the sprained ankle he sustained late in this past Sunday's 26-9 victory against the Cardinals, but Fowler suggests the running back could be in line to miss more time beyond this week. If Williams is in sidelined through the Rams' bye, he would be in line to miss three games before returning to action Nov. 19 against the Seahawks. With backup Ronnie Rivers (knee)…read more

Expected to miss Week 7

Williams (ankle) is expected to miss Sunday's game against the Steelers due to a sprained ankle, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: On Monday, Williams underwent an MRI, which revealed a diagnosis of a sprained ankle. While the injury is expected to sideline him Week 7, the belief is that Williams isn't dealing with a long-term issue. Considering that backup Ronnie Rivers (knee) also is at risk of missing time, though, Los Angeles' backfield depth could be significantly depleted versus Pittsburgh. Rookie sixth-round pick Zach Evans is the only other healthy back currently on the active roster, while veteran journeyman Royce…read more

Set for MRI

Williams (ankle) will undergo an MRI on Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: The MRI should provide more details about the ankle injury Williams sustained late in the Rams' 26-9 victory over the Cardinals on Sunday, when he handled 20 carries for a career-high 158 yards and a touchdown. The second-year pro left Sunday's game without a boot on his injured ankle, but until his MRI results are in, it'll be difficult to project how much time, if any, Williams might have to miss. Meanwhile, backup Ronnie Rivers (knee) is believed to be dealing with a PCL sprain and also will…read more

Career-high rushing yardage in win

Williams (ankle) rushed 20 times for 158 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 26-9 victory against the Cardinals.

Analysis: It was a tale of two halves for the Rams' lead back, as Williams had only two rushes for four yards after two quarters of action. The Rams came out in the third quarter and flipped the script, rushing the ball nine straight times, with Williams accounting for 52 yards on that drive alone. From there, Williams showed off his explosiveness with a pair of lengthy rushes for 27 and 31 yards, respectively, and capped it off with a five-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to put an exclamation…read more

Fifteen touches Sunday

Williams rushed 13 times for 53 yards and caught both of his targets for four yards during Sunday's 23-14 loss to the Eagles.

Analysis: Williams' rushing line was very similar to his first two games of the season aside from a lack of touchdowns, but his receiving numbers took a substantial hit with the return of Cooper Kupp to the fold. The Rams may have been cautious with their primary running back as he nursed a hip injury through the week, and the Eagles are also more susceptible to the pass than the run, which could help explain the dip in Williams' production. An inviting matchup against a soft Cardinals rush defense in…read more

Cleared to play

Williams (hip) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against Philadelphia.

Analysis: Williams hurt his hip in an overtime win over the Colts last week but never was expected to miss Sunday's matchup with the Eagles. He progressed from non-participation Wednesday to limited Thursday to a full practice Friday to close out the week. Ronnie Rivers took 11 touches for 57 yards from scrimmage last week, but overall Williams has dominated his team's RB snaps, carries and targets in a way that few other backs around the league can claim. It's the type of workload that keeps him on the…read more

Returns to limited practice

Williams (hip) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Analysis: A sore hip sidelined Williams in the first session of Week 5 prep Wednesday, but he's now made some headway through the health concern one day later. Friday's practice and the injury report that follows will unveil whether or not he heads into the weekend with a designation for Sunday's game versus the Eagles. Through four contests this season, Williams has paced the Rams backfield with 64 carries and 11 catches, which he's turned into 346 yards from scrimmage and six total touchdowns.

Practicing Thursday

Williams (hip) took part in Thursday's practice, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Williams' activity level won't be known until the Rams post their second injury report of Week 5 prep, but his presence on the practice field Thursday is a step in the right direction after he missed Wednesday's session due to a sore hip. Even if Williams is unable to log a full practice by week's end, there's an expectation from coach Sean McVay that the running back should be able to suit up Sunday against the Eagles, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com.

Misses practice, should play Sunday

Rams head coach Sean McVay said that Williams (hip) won't participate in Wednesday's practice, but the absence is precautionary, as the running back is expected to play Sunday versus the Eagles, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports

Analysis: Williams is coming off a career-best performance that included 127 yards from scrimmage and two rushing touchdowns on 28 touches this past Sunday at Indianapolis. On Monday, McVay told Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site that Williams was tending to a bruised hip, which now is keeping him out of practice to kick off Week 5 prep. If McVay's comments Wednesday are taken at face value, Williams should mix into drills again Thursday and/or Friday, but there's a chance the second-year pro enters…read more

Dealing with hip injury

Coach Sean McVay said Monday that Williams suffered a bruised hip during Sunday's overtime win in Indianapolis, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.

Analysis: Williams put together the most productive performance of his career Week 4, accumulating 127 yards from scrimmage and two rushing TDs on 28 touches. He also emerged from the contest with a health concern, which may result in some limitations in practice this week. Williams' status thus bears monitoring ahead of a Week 5 matchup with the Eagles on Sunday.

Bounces back with two-TD day

Williams rushed 25 times for 103 yards and two touchdowns and caught all three of his targets for 24 yards during Sunday's 29-23 overtime win versus the Colts. He also fumbled once.

Analysis: A week after earning just 10 rushing attempts against the Bengals, the Rams went heavy on the run against a lackluster Colts defense and were rewarded with Williams netting a career high in rushing attempts and yardage. The second-year back scored both of his touchdowns in the first quarter, and unlike the previous game, backup Ronnie Rivers saw a fair amount of touches of his own. Williams will face a stiff test in Week 5 against an Eagles defense that has been particularly sturdy against the…read more

Uninspiring performance in defeat

Williams rushed 10 times for 38 yards and caught two of seven targets for 27 yards during Monday's 19-16 loss to the Bengals.

Analysis: Despite the Bengals allowing 192 rushing yards per game over the first two games of the season, the Rams chose to shy away from the run. Williams logged just 10 attempts with a long run of nine yards. The young back also was unable to jell with Matthew Stafford as a receiver, as the offense as a whole sputtered out through the majority of the game. No other back on the Rams received a single touch on offense, however, a sign that coach Sean McVay trusts Williams to be a three-down workhorse for…read more

Leads backfield with two-score day

Williams rushed 14 times for 52 yards and a touchdown while adding six receptions (10 targets) for 48 yards and another score in Sunday's 30-23 loss to the 49ers.

Analysis: Williams took over as the Rams' lead back after Cam Akers (coach's decision) was listed as inactive prior to kickoff. The 2022 fifth-round pick took full advantage of the opportunity and turned 20 touches into 100 yards and two combined scores. With Akers seemingly out of the picture, Williams should see the lion's share of carries and backfield targets moving forward, starting with next Monday's tilt against the Bengals.

Confirmed for lead role Sunday

Williams will serve as the Rams' lead back for Sunday's game against the 49ers, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com.

Analysis: The Rams will make Cam Akers inactive for the contest and could look into trading him away after he managed just 29 yards on 22 carries while playing 33 percent of the offensive snaps in Los Angeles' season-opening win over Seattle. Williams, who worked behind Akers in Week 1 but played 67 percent of snaps and finished with 15 carries for 52 yards and two touchdowns while also drawing two targets, should now get a chance to build on that performance. Though the matchup with a stingy San…read more

Could handle lead role Sunday

Williams is expected to serve as the Rams' lead back Sunday against the 49ers after Jay Glazer reported on "Fox NFL Sunday" that Cam Akers will be a healthy inactive for the contest.

Analysis: The Rams reportedly intend to entertain trading Akers, something they did last season before both parties were ultimately able to agree to a reconciliation. However, after Akers mustered just 29 yards on 22 carries in the Rams' Week 1 win over the Seahawks, he appears to have fallen out of favor again. Williams, meanwhile, carried 15 times for 52 yards and two touchdowns while going without a reception on two targets. He looks worthy of a spot in fantasy lineups this week with what should be a…read more

Strong start to 2023

Williams rushed 15 times for 52 yards and two touchdowns while failing to catch either of his targets in Sunday's 30-13 win over the Seahawks.

Analysis: Williams finished the game as the Rams' top rusher despite seeing seven fewer carries than starter Cam Akers (22-29-1). The latter's struggles re-opened the door for a potential committee approach, which would boost Williams' fantasy value while hurting Akers'. The 2022 fifth-round pick is worth a speculative add, but a wait-and-see approach is recommended before playing him against a tough 49ers defense Sunday.

Yet to see preseason action

Williams hasn't seen action in either of the Rams' first two preseason games.

Analysis: The same applies to the Rams' presumed top back Cam Akers, which has given the trio of Zach Evans, Royce Freeman and Ronnie Rivers opportunities to log exhibition carries as they compete for depth slotting in the team's backfield. Jourdan Rodrigue of the Athletic previously noted that Williams, who dealt with injuries as a rookie last season, look good in both the run and pass game in training camp. Based on the team's current roster composition, the 2022 fifth-rounder looks poised to approach…read more

Earns 44 total touches as rookie

Williams rushed 35 times for 139 yards and caught nine passes for 76 yards during the 2022 season.

Analysis: The fifth-round rookie's season was defined by a pair of injuries that kept him from unlocking his full potential. In June, Williams suffered a broken foot that cost him most of the preseason. Then, in Week 1, Williams sustained a high-ankle sprain that kept him off the field until Week 10. While Williams was given a fairly high snap share through the first few weeks after his return, a resurgent Cam Akers quickly sapped the usage rates of all other backs on the roster, culminating in Akers…read more

Dismal usage in loss

Williams rushed twice for six yards during Sunday's 31-10 loss to the Chargers.

Analysis: Williams set a season low in snap count, with just three offensive snaps during a game where Cam Akers continued to rejuvenate his career with a stellar 19-123-0 rushing line. More concerning for fantasy managers, Akers is also taking over as the passing down back in recent weeks, an area where Williams was expected to excel. Williams has just two receptions for 13 yards in his previous five games combined, while Akers boasts eight catches for 75 yards in the same span. The Rams will be looking…read more

Ineffective in limited playing time

Williams rushed six times for 18 yards and caught his only target for three yards during Sunday's 51-14 victory against the Broncos.

Analysis: Williams saw just eight snaps on offense yet earned seven touches on those limited snaps. A second-quarter drive saw the rookie get his number called on three consecutive plays, highlighted by a seven-yard run up the middle. Williams was a clear second fiddle to a resurgent Cam Akers (23-118-3), and with the Rams perhaps wanting to give Akers the opportunity to claim the backfield for his own in 2023, Williams will likely continue to see little playing time through the Rams' final two games.

Tallies just two touches

Williams rushed twice for seven yards in Monday's 24-12 loss to the Packers.

Analysis: Williams took the field for only four snaps in another forgettable performance for the rookie, while Cam Akers tallied 100 total yards of offense between his 15 touches. Any optimism for a Williams breakout during the latter half of the season has been dashed with Akers reclaiming his role as the lead back, and a Week 16 matchup against an imposing Denver defense will make it a tall task to trust Williams in fantasy lineups.

Four touches in win

Williams rushed three times for 19 yards and secured one of two targets for 10 yards in Thursday's 17-16 victory against the Raiders.

Analysis: Despite seeing only eight fewer snaps than fellow running back Cam Akers, Williams was utilized far less and also ceded playing time to Malcolm Brown. Akers committed a costly fumble in the second quarter that ended a lengthy drive for the Rams, and it coincided with Williams getting his first touches of the game on the Rams' first drive of the second half. The Rams will draw one of the NFL's softest run defenses in Green Bay for Week 15, and that matchup combined with Akers having another…read more

Sharp decline in playing time

Williams rushed three times for nine yards and failed to secure his only target during Sunday's 27-23 loss to the Seahawks.

Analysis: The Rams saw six different players record a rushing attempt Sunday, and Williams finished fifth on the team in rushing yardage, only besting backup quarterback Bryce Perkins, who took the field for a single snap. Cam Akers led the team with 17 carries for 60 yards and two TDs and was on the field for 72 percent of the Rams' offensive snaps, compared to just 28 percent for Williams. He has seemingly fallen to the No. 2 role in one of the weakest offensive units in the league, a development that…read more

Modest numbers against KC

Williams carried the ball 11 times for 35 yards and caught all three of his targets for 25 yards in Sunday's 26-10 loss to Kansas City.

Analysis: He saw the most carries of any Rams player, but both Cam Akers (37) and quarterback Bryce Perkins (44) produced more rushing yards on their totes. Williams did make up for it by tying for the team lead in receptions, however. With the Los Angeles offense in complete disarray, neither Williams nor Akers figure to have much fantasy appeal in Week 13 against the Seahawks -- even against a defense that just coughed up over 300 combined yards to Josh Jacobs.

Expanded role likely

Williams is likely in line for more playing time in the Rams backfield after the team waived Darrell Henderson on Tuesday, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.

Analysis: Even before Henderson's departure, Williams had already staked a claim to a steady role in the past two weeks, which coincided with the rookie's return from a stint on injured reserve due to a high-ankle sprain. In losses to the Cardinals and Saints, Williams played a total of 50 snaps, topping both Henderson (38) and Cam Akers (34) in that regard. The rookie has flashed promise with some lengthy gains in limited rushing attempts while also showing off his receiving chops with four catches for…read more

Eight total touches in loss

Williams rushed seven times for 36 yards and caught one of two targets for eight yards in Sunday's 27-20 loss to the Saints.

Analysis: Williams led the Rams backfield in snap share, staying on the field for 35 plays. That usage was more than Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson combined, and Williams used the opportunity to break off a 17-yard scamper in the third quarter that led to a Matt Gay field goal. While it may be hard to rely on any running back for the Rams from a fantasy perspective, Williams saw his playing time effectively double between Weeks 10 and 11, and the rookie may get more time to carve out a role with the…read more

Three catches in season debut

Williams rushed once for nine yards and caught all three of his targets for 30 yards in Sunday's 27-17 loss to the Cardinals.

Analysis: Williams didn't accumulate any stats until the final drive of the game, and he took the field for only 16 offensive snaps. The rookie out of Notre Dame was able to showcase his pass-catching ability on the final drive with three receptions, and he recorded 39 total yards with his limited usage. Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson combined for just 43 rushing yards on 12 attempts, and Henderson scored the only touchdown between the trio of running backs. The continued lackluster play of Akers and…read more

Comes off IR

The Rams activated Williams (ankle) from injured reserve Saturday.

Analysis: Head coach Sean McVay made it known Williams would make his debut following a seven-game absence. The Notre Dame product couldn't have made his return at a better time as the Rams' running game has struggled recently. Expect Darrell Henderson and Cam Akers to both mix in alongside Williams, who figures to be the team's top pass-catching running back immediately.

Will be activated this week

Head coach Sean McVay said the Rams will activate Williams (ankle) from injured reserve before Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Stu Jackson of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: The transaction will need to become official Friday or Saturday for William to suit up Sunday. He's been practicing with the team since Oct. 26, after suffering a high-ankle sprain on special teams in the season opener. The rookie may now get his shot on offense given the unsettled state of the Rams backfield.

Could play this week

Rams head coach Sean McVay said Wednesday that Williams (ankle) has a good shot to play Sunday against the Cardinals, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The Rams designated the rookie to return from injured reserve Oct. 26, opening a 21-day window where he can either be reinstated to the active roster or ruled out for the rest of the season. The team can technically keep Williams out for another game and then activate him next week, but it sounds like McVay expects the running back to be ready by Sunday. The fifth-round pick makes for an interesting bench stash in fantasy leagues, given the unsettled nature of the Rams' backfield.

Still not ready

Williams (ankle) was not activated off injured reserve Saturday and thus will not play in Week 9.

Analysis: There was some optimism the 2022 fifth-round pick would make his season debut Sunday, but that will have to wait another week, as the Rams opted not to activate the rookie Saturday. In his stead, a combination of Ronnie Rivers, Darrell Henderson, Malcolm Brown and possibly even Cam Akers could shoulder a backfield load that has yielded very little results as of late. The Rams still have a little over two weeks left on the 21-day window to activate Williams before he's placed back on injured…read more

No decision yet on activation

Coach Sean McVay hasn't made a decision on if the Rams will activate Williams (ankle) from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game at Tampa Bay, Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Analysis: Such a decision may be contingent on Cam Akers' situation after he rejoined his teammates at practice Thursday following a two-game absence for personal reasons. If Akers is deemed to be a suitable part of the game plan and the team believes another week will get Williams that much healthier, the latter may not return to the active roster by Saturday's 4:00 p.m. ET deadline. However, in the event Williams is activated and available this weekend, he'll join some combination of Darrell Henderson,…read more

Could return from IR for Week 9

Coach Sean McVay said Monday that Williams (ankle) may be activated from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game at Tampa Bay, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Williams has been recovering from a high-ankle sprain that he sustained Week 1 and resided on IR since then. After the Rams designated him to return last Wednesday, he managed a pregame workout before this past Sunday's loss to the 49ers. With Cam Akers (personal) a candidate to be traded, the composition of L.A.'s backfield is up in the air at the moment, with all of Darrell Henderson, Malcolm Brown and practice squad member Ronnie Rivers getting in the mix Week 8. If Williams is able to join…read more

Not quite ready to play

Though Williams (ankle) won't play Sunday against the 49ers, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic relays that the running back was spotted getting in a pregame workout prior to the contest.

Analysis: The Rams designated Williams (ankle) for return from injured reserve Wednesday, but the running back isn't quite ready to suit up at this stage. However, Sunday's report suggests that he's trending in the right direction, and it's possible that Williams could be activated ahead of next weekend's game against the Buccaneers.

Not expected to play this week

Coach Sean McVay suggested Friday (ankle) that Williams won't be activated for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.

Analysis: Williams was designated Wednesday to return from injured reserve, opening a 21-day window for the Rams to activate him or put him back on IR for the rest of the season. They may bring him back as soon as Week 9 at Tampa Bay, as the current backfield situation is less than optimal with Cam Akers still sidelined for non-injury reasons and a candidate to be traded. Darrell Henderson (illness) and Malcolm Brown figure to lead the way Sunday against the Niners.

Back at practice Wednesday

The Rams designated Williams (ankle) for return from injured reserve Wednesday.

Analysis: Williams suffered a high-ankle sprain on his only snap Week 1 and has been sidelined in the meantime. The Rams now has a 21-day window to evaluate the rookie fifth-round pick and determine when (or if) a return to action is possible. If he gets back on the active roster, Williams may be able to mix into the backfield behind Darrell Henderson with Cam Akers' (personal) status with the team up in the air.

Return to practice looming

Rams head coach Sean McVay said Monday that the team may be able to start discussing Williams (ankle) return from injured reserve following Week 8, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Williams picked up a high-ankle sprain during the season opener and has been sidelined since. He was given a 6-to-8-week return timetable, so he appears to be right on track, though McVay's comments were far from definitive. Once Williams returns to practice, he'll have a 21-day period to be added to the active roster, or he'll revert back to IR for the remainder of the season.

Lands on IR with sprained ankle

The Rams placed Williams (ankle) on their injured reserve list Tuesday.

Analysis: Williams suffered a high-ankle sprain Thursday versus Buffalo and is expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports. The move to the injured reserve list means he'll certainly miss at least the next four games. In his absence, Jake Funk could be in line for a few spare snaps at running back, and Brandon Powell will continue to operate as the Rams' primary kick returner.

To miss 6-to-8 weeks

Coach Sean McVay relayed Friday that Williams will undergo surgery on the high-ankle sprain he suffered during Thursday's loss to the Bills and miss 6-to-8 weeks, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Williams thus seems destined for injured reserve in the near future, and if he meets the minimum timeframe laid out by McVay, the rookie fifth-round pick likely won't be available until Sunday, Oct. 30 against the 49ers at the earliest. The Rams have a secure top two in their backfield in the form of Darrell Henderson and Cam Akers, with Jake Funk in a reserve role. Considering the team kept four running backs active Week 1, either Trey Ragas will be promoted from the practice squad, or outside…read more

Nursing high-ankle sprain

Williams suffered a high-ankle sprain during Thursday night's 31-10 loss to the Bills that could sideline him up to six weeks, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Analysis: The Rams haven't yet officially confirmed the severity of Williams' injury, but if he's indeed suffered a high-ankle sprain, the rookie fifth-round pick could end up on IR for at least four games. Jake Funk likely will slot into the No. 3 backfield spot behind Darrell Henderson and Cam Akers as long as Williams is sidelined.

Injures ankle in opener

Williams suffered an ankle injury during Thursday's game versus the Bills, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Williams didn't make an impact in the box score before the Rams deemed him questionable to return. If Williams is unable to do so, Jake Funk will bump up the Rams' depth chart at running back behind Darrell Henderson and Cam Akers.

Likely to make team

Williams (foot) took warmups but didn't play in the Rams' third preseason game Saturday against the Bengals, Rams broadcaster J.B. Long reports.

Analysis: The likeliest explanation for Williams' absence is that the Rams opted to hold the rookie out following a strong camp because he's already done enough to secure a roster spot. Confirmation on that front won't come until the Rams officially trim their roster down to 53 players, but assuming he makes the team, Williams could play a key role out of the gate if either Cam Akers (undisclosed) or Darrell Henderson (undisclosed) still isn't ready to play by the team's Sept. 8 season opener against…read more

Ready to roll

Williams (foot) will play in the Rams' third preseason game against the Bengals on Saturday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Williams will also compete in joint practices as he ramps up his workload in his recovery from the broken foot he suffered during OTAs. Selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Williams is expected to be competing with Jake Funk for the No. 3 spot on the Rams' running back depth chart.

Won't play Friday

Williams won't play in Friday's preseason game against the Texans, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.

Analysis: Williams was activated from the PUP list last week, and it appears the team is exercising caution as he makes his way back from a broken foot he suffered in the offseason. The Rams traded up in the fifth round to select the 21-year-old running back for his ability as a pass catcher. With both Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson sidelined with soft-tissue injuries, both Williams and Jake Funk have received valuable practice reps this week. Coach Sean McVay said the rookie has done "a really good…read more

Sees added practice reps

With both Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson dealing with soft-tissue injuries, Williams and Jake Funk took the main workload at Monday's practice, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Williams came off the PUP list last week, and with the Rams' top two backs sidelined for the time being, he'll have a chance to get some valuable practice reps in the coming days and is a candidate to make his preseason debut Friday against the Texans. For now, there's nothing to suggest that Akers or Henderson are in danger of missing regular-season action, but until one or both are back on the field, Williams and Funk will have an opportunity to compete for the No. 3 spot on the team's…read more

Status for Friday unceratin

Williams' (foot) status for Friday's preseason game against the Texans has yet to be determined.

Analysis: The Rams activated Williams from the PUP list last Monday, but he didn't appear in the preseason opener. Initially, Los Angeles didn't expect the running back to return to full practices until Week 3 of the preseason, so it's possible they'll opt to keep him sidelined from game action until then. Regardless, it doesn't appear like he suffered a setback, so there shouldn't be too much concern if he misses another exhibition contest.

Activated from PUP

The Rams activated Williams (foot) from the active/PUP list Monday, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: This would seem to put the rookie ahead of schedule, with coach Sean McVay previously having said that Williams was expected to return to practice around the Rams' third preseason game. They haven't even played their first, and while he'll likely be eased into drills before actually practicing, this at least gives Williams a better shot to be ready for the preseason finale and/or Week 1. Earning a role is another matter altogether for the fifth-round pick, with the broken foot suffered in OTAs…read more

On track for preseason

Williams (foot) has a chance to make an appearance late in the preseason, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: The rookie back is recovering from a broken foot he suffered during OTAs, and while he can't participate in drills at the moment because he's on the active/PUP list, he has been keeping tabs on his position group and getting extra feedback from Cam Akers, who returned from a torn Achilles of his own last season. Akers noted, "He'll be back on the field in a couple weeks, I think," which is another positive affirmation that Williams should return to the field in time for preseason action.

Begins camp on PUP list

The Rams will place Williams (foot) on the active/PUP list to open training camp, Stu Jackson of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Williams is in the midst of his recovery from a broken foot suffered in early June during L.A.'s offseason program. At the time, coach Sean McVay told Cameron DeSilva of USA Today that the rookie fifth-round pick would be sidelined until the early portion of training camp, which starts for the Rams on Saturday. Williams is eligible to practice and take part in preseason action at any point, so once he's healthy he'll vie for slotting behind the team's top running backs Cam Akers and Darrell…read more