The New York Jets could have their star wide receiver back in time for their season opener against the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 9.
Former Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams, who signed with the Jets last offseason, is expected to return to action soon. Williams suffered a serious knee injury in the first month of the 2023 season and is working daily to get back on the field.
Fortunately for the Jets, Williams is expected to be able to practice with the team next week, earlier than expected. He was removed from the PUP list two weeks ago and has only been taking part in individual workouts, like Monday's session at Florham Park.
“He's progressing well. Right now for him it's just a matter of continuing to build his confidence. It's going to be more of a mental hurdle than anything else, but I think he's doing well,” coach Robert Saleh said after practice Monday.
Saleh said he hadn't yet decided which starters would play in the third preseason game, but Williams did not play in the first two exhibition games and is not expected to play in the final game against the city rivals New York Giants on Aug. 24.
Mike Williams says he feels good at the moment. pic.twitter.com/A07BuPxXak
— Jets Video (@snyjets) August 19, 2024
After signing in March, Williams, a former first-round draft pick, quickly became a key piece in a stunted receiver corps that was dominated by star Garrett Wilson, a 1,000-yard receiver during a highly productive tenure with the Chargers.
Wilson acknowledged Mike's excellent ball skills in a recent One Jets Drive video, saying, “He's going to make our team better…I think he (Aaron Rodgers) is going to be happy to have Mike there because it's going to take what was a 50/50 ball and make it like a 70/30 ball and make it go Mike's way.”
Williams is on a one-year deal, but his importance to the team in 2024 cannot be underestimated. The Jets will be a run-heavy offense led by superstar Breece Hall. To make the passing game effective, Rodgers needs a proven WR2, with Wilson being the most notable. Allen Lazard, who signed a four-year deal with the team last year, was supposed to fill that role, but the former Packer has not performed well for the Jets so far.
If Williams returns next week and participates in team practices, it will be a great sign that he will be able to play in Week 1.
More New York Jets news:
• Rodgers was predictably cryptic when asked if he would play against the Giants.
• The Jets placed the former Packers receiver on reserve/injured status and signed a UFL defensive tackle.
• Jets announce 32 players will not play in preseason game at Carolina
• Two Jets reserves were injured in the preseason win over Carolina.
• Former Jets $45 million man signs with Dallas Cowboys
